Here is a complete and easy-to-understand overview of:
💊 Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablet 250 mg
(Also known as Penicillin V)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin is a narrow-spectrum penicillin antibiotic
- Bactericidal – kills bacteria by inhibiting their cell wall synthesis
- Works mainly against gram-positive bacteria
🎯 Purpose / Indications:
Used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by penicillin-sensitive organisms, such as:
- Streptococcal throat infections (e.g., tonsillitis, pharyngitis)
- Scarlet fever
- Skin infections (e.g., erysipelas, impetigo)
- Dental infections
- Rheumatic fever prophylaxis (long-term prevention)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
✅ Advantages:
- Effective against Streptococcus and some anaerobic bacteria
- Oral form – easy to take
- Long history of proven safety and effectiveness
- Preferred antibiotic in some pediatric and ENT infections
- Useful in rheumatic heart disease prophylaxis
💊 Dosage & Administration:
- Typically taken orally every 6 to 8 hours
- On an empty stomach – 1 hour before or 2 hours after food
- Dosage varies by:
- Age and weight of patient
- Type and severity of infection
- Example adult dose: 250 mg to 500 mg 4 times daily
- Children: dose based on body weight (usually in mg/kg/day)
📦 Common Packaging:
- 250 mg tablets – usually packed in strips of 10
- Also available in oral suspensions (for children)
⚠️ Patient Advice / Precautions:
- Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve
- Do not take with food – may reduce absorption
- Use cautiously if patient has:
- Allergy to penicillin or beta-lactam antibiotics
- Kidney disease (dose adjustment may be needed)
- Possible side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea
- Skin rash, itching
- Rare: severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Keep tablets in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat