Penhexal VK
Generic Name: Phenoxymethylpenicillin potassium
Product Name: Penhexal VK
Indication
Penhexal VK is used when oral penicillin therapy is required to treat mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria. As with all infections, therapy should be guided by culture and susceptibility studies as much as possible. Penhexal VK can be used in the treatment of Streptococcal throat infections to prevent rheumatic fever.
It is also useful in the prevention of heart valve infection in patients with congenital or rheumatic heart disease who are undergoing dental or upper respiratory surgery. Oral penicillin is NOT appropriate for the prevention of infection during genitourinary or abdominal surgery.
Action
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin class. It can kill a number of susceptible bacteria, but is not active against those that produce penicillinase, an enzyme that destroys some penicillin antibiotics. Certain strains of Streptococci are susceptible to Penhexal, as are the causative organisms of tetanus, gas gangrene, diphtheria and anthrax. Neisseria species, including the bugs that cause meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea, are sensitive to Penhexal to some extent. Haemophilus influenzae, an important respiratory tract pathogen, is developing resistance. Most other gram negative bacteria, such as those that cause urinary tract infections, are resistant.
Dose advice
Penhexal VK should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before food.
Adults:
- 250-500mg every 4-6 hours
- dosage should be determined based on severity of infection and susceptibility of causative organism
Children aged 6-12yrs:
- 250mg every six hours In Streptococcal throat infection, treatment should be continued for no less than 10 days to ensure prevention of rheumatic fever.
Schedule
Schedule 4
Common side effects
The most common side effects seen include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Itchy anus
- Black hairy tongue
- Rash
- Hives
Uncommon side effects
Allergic reactions are uncommon but the symptoms are important to know and should be reported to your doctor immediately:
- Rash
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Swollen throat
- Widespread purple rash
For further information talk to your doctor.
Dates
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