Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Shasthya স্বাস্থ্য · Health, made simple
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Community data Updated 2 months ago
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Indications

Diarrhea Urinary Tract Infection Sepsis

Pivcilin treats infections caused by mecillinam-sensitive organisms. These include acute cystitis, complicated urinary tract infections, salmonellosis, shigellosis, enteropathic E. coli diarrhoea, gram-negative septicaemia, and biliary tract infections.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

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.

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.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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.