Phenoxymethyl

Phenoxymethyl is indicated for:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Pharyngitis
• Tonsillitis
• Fever
• Bacterial Infection
• Respiratory Tract Infection
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infection
• Otitis Media

Occasionally, Phenoxymethyl Penicillin [Penicillin V] can cause hypersensitivity reactions of the skin, such as urticaria, morbilliform or scarlatiniform rashes and pruritus. Eosinophilia may also develop, along with more serious allergic reactions such as drug fever, vasculitis, serum sickness or interstitial nephritis. Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions can occur too, with signs like angioneurotic oedema, oedema of the larynx, bronchial spasm and shock. If there are signs pointing to an anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction, stop the treatment immediately. Now and then there may be skin rashes or inflammation of the mucous membranes, especially around the mouth (stomatitis). Dryness of the mouth and disorders of taste may rarely occur. Severe bullous skin reactions, usually involving the mucosae, have been reported in isolated cases (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome). Gastrointestinal disturbances may develop, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools or diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can sometimes be a symptom of enterocolitis, which in some cases may be haemorrhagic. One particular form of enterocolitis that can occur with antibiotics is pseudomembranous colitis, which in most cases is due to Clostridium difficile. Think of it in any patient who has severe, persistent diarrhoea during treatment or in the first weeks afterwards. Even if pseudomembranous colitis is only suspected, Phenoxymethyl Penicillin [Penicillin V] must be stopped immediately. This type of colitis needs immediate and appropriate treatment by a physician, and drugs that inhibit intestinal peristalsis must not be taken. In isolated cases, particularly after high doses and prolonged use, the blood picture may change. This can mean a fall in white blood cells (for example leucopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis), in erythrocytes (for example due to haemolytic anaemia) or in thrombocytes, or it may be pancytopenia and myelosuppression. When treating spirochaetal infections, Herxheimer's reaction may develop. It is marked by the onset or worsening of general symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and joint pains. Drug-induced aseptic meningitis may occur in isolated cases. In extremely rare cases, transient discolouration of the teeth may be seen during treatment with Phenoxymethyl Penicillin [Penicillin V]. Antibiotics, especially when given for a long time, may lead to the growth of resistant micro organisms. Beta-lactams also raise the risk of encephalopathy (which may include convulsions, confusion, impaired consciousness and movement disorders), particularly in overdose or renal impairment.