Phenoxymethyl Penicillin

Indications

Phenoxymethyl Penicillin is used for: Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Skin & soft tissue infections, Anthrax, Lyme disease, Rheumatic fever, Spleen disorders, Dental Abscesses, gingivitis, upper respiratory tract, scarlet fever, erysipelas, otitis media, Vincent's infection

Adult Dose

Oral Adult: Usually 250-500 mg 6 hourly Prophylaxis of recurrent rheumatic fever 250 mg twice daily. Streptococcal infections of the upper respiratory tract, including scarlet fever and erysipelas 125-250 mg 6-8 hrly for 10 days. Pneumococcal infections of the respiratory tract, including otitis media 250-500 mg 6 hrly until patient is afebrile for at least 2 days. Fusospirochetosis (Vincent's infection) of the oropharynx; Staphylococcal infections of the skin and soft tissue 250-500 mg 6-8 hrly.

Child Dose

Oral Tablet Children: PO 25–50 mg/kg/day q6h Syrup Dry Syrup: 1-2 tea-spoonful (5-10ml) 6 hourly Forte Syrup: ½-1 tea-spoonful (2.5-5ml) 6 hourly Infants: 62.5-125 mg 6 hourly

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to penicillins.

Precautions

Monitor renal and haematologic systems periodically during prolonged therapy or if high dose is used. Use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Cross-sensitivity with cephalosporins may occur. History of significant allergies and/or asthma. Pregnancy and lactation.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Phenoxymethyl Penicillin : Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhoea, black hairy tongue; skin eruptions (maculopapular to exfoliative dermatitis), urticaria and other serum-sickness like reactions, laryngeal oedema; fever, eosinophilia. Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits the biosynthesis of cell wall mucopeptide; bactericidal against sensitive organisms when adequate concentrations are reached, and most effective during the stage of active multiplication; inadequate concentrations may produce only bacteriostatic effects.