Penvik

The dosage of Phenoxymethyl penicillin should be determined according to the sensitivity of the causative micro-organism and the severity of the infection, and adjusted to the clinical response of the patient.

Adults: 250-500 mg 6 hourly

Children (above 1 year):

• 125-250 mg 6 hourly
• 125 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: 1-2 teaspoonful (5-10 ml) 6 hourly
• 250 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: ½-1 teaspoonful (2.5-5 ml) 6 hourly

Infants (below 1 year):

• 62.5-125 mg 6 hourly.
• 125 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: ½-1 teaspoonful (2.5-5 ml) 6 hourly, or as prescribed by the physician.

Phenoxymethyl penicillin is best taken with an empty stomach, preferably at least 1 hour before or 2 hour after meal.

Occasionally, hypersensitivity reactions involving the skin (e.g. urticaria, morbilliform or scarlatiniform rashes, pruritus), eosinophilia or more serious allergic reactions, e.g. drug fever, vasculitis, serum sickness or interstitial nephritis, may develop. Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions accompanied by, e.g- angioneurotic oedema, oedema of the larynx, bronchial spasm and shock may occur.

In the event of signs pointing to anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, the treatment must be terminated immediately. In occasional instances, there may be skin rashes or inflammation of mucous membranes, especially in the region of the mouth (stomatitis); dryness of the mouth and disorders of taste may rarely occur.

The occurrence of severe bullous skin reactions- usually involving the mucosae- has been reported in isolated cases (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome). Gastrointestinal disturbances with, e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, or diarrhoea may develop.

Diarrhoea may sometimes be a symptom of enterocolitis which may, in some cases, be haemorrhagic. A particular form of enterocolitis that can occur with antibiotics is pseudomembranous colitis (in most cases due to Clostridium diffcile). This must be considered in patients in whom severe, persistent diarrhoea occurs during treatment or in the initial weeks thereafter. Even if pseudomembranous colitis is only suspected, administration of Phenoxymethyl penicillin must be halted immediately. This type of colitis requires immediate and appropriate treatment by a physician. Drugs that inhibit intestinal peristalsis must not be taken in such cases. In isolated cases, particularly after high doses and prolonged administration, changes in blood picture such as reduction in the number of white blood cells (e.g.,leucopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis), erythrocytes (e.g., due to haemolytic anaemia), thrombocytes, or pancytopenia and myelosuppression may occur. During treatment for spirochaetal infections, Herxheimer's reaction characterized by the occurrence or worsening of general symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and joint pains may develop. In isolated cases, drug-induced aseptic meningitis may occur.

In extremely rare cases, transient discolouration of the teeth may be seen during treatment with Phenoxymethyl penicillin. Administration of antibiotics, especially if prolonged, may lead to the proliferation of resistant micro organisms.

Beta-lactams predispose the patient to encephalopathy risk (which may include convulsions, confusion, impairment of consciousness, movement disorders), particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment.

The toxicity of phenoxymethylpenicillin is low, and it has a broad therapeutic range. When a multiple therapeutic dose is taken orally once only, phenoxymethylpenicillin has no acute toxicity. There is a risk of encephalopathy in cases of administration of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment. Special measures in the event of overdosage, other than discontinuation of the medication, are not required. Elimination of phenoxymethylpenicillin can be accomplished through haemodialysis.

Phenoxymethyl penicillin or penicillin V is acid-stable and is absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine. Of different forms of Phenoxymethyl penicillin, the potassium salt of Phenoxymethyl penicillin is best absorbed. This may be given with meals but maximum absorption is achieved when drug is administered orally at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the meal. Phenoxymethyl penicillin offers a very convenient means of treating Grampositive infections. Phenoxymethyl penicillin has the distinct advantage over penicillin G in resistance to inactivation by gastric acid.

The possibility of cross-allergy between cephalosporins and penicillins must be considered. When treating patients with heart diseases or serious electrolyte disturbances of other origin, the potassium content of Phenoxymethyl Penicillin may have to be considered. Beta-lactams predispose the patient to encephalopathy risk (which may include convulsions, confusion, impairment of consciousness, movement disorders), particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment.

Administration of antibiotics, especially if prolonged, may lead to the proliferation of resistant micro-organisms. The patient's condition must therefore be checked at regular intervals. If a secondary infection occurs, appropriate measures must be taken. In patients with diabetes mellitus, the sugar content of Phenoxymethyl Penicillin syrup must be taken into consideration.

There is no indication of impaired ability to drive, or to operate machinery. Beta-lactams predispose the patient to encephalopathy risk. In the case of adverse reactions such as encephalopathy (which may include convulsions, confusion, impairment of consciousness, movement disorders), the patient should not operate machines or drive a vehicle.

Benzylpenicillin & Phenoxymethyl penicillin