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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Pivmecillinam). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Indications & Uses
V Cillin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Pivmecillinam belongs to a newer group of penicillins known as the amdinopenicillins. It is a prodrug of mecillinam, formulated so the drug can be taken by mouth. On its own, the prodrug has no antibacterial effect; once absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, enzymatic hydrolysis converts it into the active drug.
Pivmecillinam is bactericidal, working by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis at a site of action distinct from that of other penicillins. It is highly effective against Enterobacteriaceae, including E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia. Its activity against Gram-positive organisms is weak, and it likewise has limited effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with virtually no activity against Enterococcus faecalis.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults: The usual dose is 1-2 tablets 3 times daily according to the severity of the infection. In acute uncomplicated cystitis: initially 400 mg, then 200 mg every 8 hours for 3 days. In chronic or recurrent bacteriuria: 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours. For the treatment of salmonellosis (including enteric fever): 1.2 to 2.4 gm daily for 14 days. To eliminate salmonella carriage, therapy may be prolonged for 2 to 4 weeks. In complicated urinary tract infection, the usual treatment time is 1 to 2 weeks. For prophylactic treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections, 1 tablet every evening is recommended.
Children: The usual dose is as follows. Those weighing less than 20 kg should be given 20 to 60 mg/kg divided into 3 to 4 daily doses. Those weighing more than 20 kg should receive the normal adult dose. In shigellosis: 20 mg/kg 4 times a day for 5 days. For urinary tract infection (UTI): 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses. For salmonellosis: 30 to 60 mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses.
The tablet should be taken with at least 50 to 100 ml of fluid. Since this tablet's bioavailability is practically unaffected by simultaneous food intake, this tablet is best taken with or immediately after a meal.
Side Effects
Pivcilin is generally well tolerated, even by patients with reduced kidney function. Upper gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea or indigestion may occur when a dose has been taken on an empty stomach. Skin rashes have been reported in some cases, but the characteristic ampicillin rash has never been observed, nor has there been any evidence of liver, kidney, or ear toxicity. The occurrence of anaphylaxis, though not yet reported, cannot be entirely ruled out.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Since mecillinam (the active form of pivmecillinam) is cleared from the body mainly by the kidneys, patients with reduced kidney function may build up higher blood levels of the drug if doses are repeated, as with other antibiotics handled the same way.
Contraindications
There have been no reports of allergy to pivmecillinam in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to penicillins and cephalosporins. Even so, it seems sensible to avoid pivmecillinam in these patients until more experience with the drug has been gained.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Mecillinam levels in the umbilical cord have been found at about 1/3 of the levels in the mother's blood, and small but detectable amounts have been found in the amniotic fluid. So pivmecillinam should be avoided during pregnancy. Mecillinam is not passed into the milk of mothers who are breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
For patients with impaired renal function, the information available so far shows that the initial dose and the interval between doses can stay the same. The maintenance dose, though, should be changed according to creatinine clearance (CrCl):
CrCl 30 ml/min or greater: full dosage
CrCl 10-30 ml/min: 50% dosage
CrCl <10 ml/min: 25% dosage
Pivmecillinam should be avoided in infants under 3 months of age.
Overdose
No one has reported an overdose of Pivmecillinam, so there is no experience to draw on. Still, very large doses are likely to cause nausea, vomiting and gastritis. Treatment should be limited to symptomatic and supportive measures. If it becomes necessary, haemodialysis will bring down the blood level.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Pivmecillinam in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light and moisture.
Common questions about V Cillin 200 mg
What is V Cillin 200 mg Tablet?
V Cillin 200 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Pivmecillinam. It is made by Asiatic Laboratories Ltd. It belongs to the Narrow spectrum penicillin group of medicines.
What is V Cillin used for?
V Cillin is used for: Diarrhea, Urinary Tract Infection, Sepsis.
What are the side effects of V Cillin?
Pivcilin is generally well tolerated, even by patients with reduced kidney function. Upper gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea or indigestion may occur when a dose has been taken on an empty stomach.
Can I take V Cillin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Mecillinam levels in the umbilical cord have been found at about 1/3 of the levels in the mother's blood, and small but detectable amounts have been found in the amniotic fluid. So pivmecillinam should be avoided during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much V Cillin?
No one has reported an overdose of Pivmecillinam, so there is no experience to draw on. Still, very large doses are likely to cause nausea, vomiting and gastritis. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store V Cillin?
Keep Pivmecillinam in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light and moisture.
Do I need a prescription for V Cillin?
V Cillin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.