Phenoxymethyl Penicillin (penicillin V)
General Information
A penicillin antibiotic. Do NOT use if patient is allergic to penicillin.
Formulary antimicrobial: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Access'. Use as per guidelines.
Dosing
| Oral phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) | |
| Standard dose | 500mg QDS |
| Prophylaxis of pneumococcal infection (asplenia) | 250mg BD |
Obesity
No dose adjustment required.
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment
|
eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) |
phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) dose |
|
No dose adjustment required in renal impairment. |
|
|
HD/ HDF/ High Flux |
No adjustment. Dialysed; give after dialysis. |
|
PD |
No adjustment. Not dialysed. |
Hepatic impairment
No information available
Notable Interactions
Methotrexate: Phenoxymethylpenicillin can reduce excretion of methotrexate (increased risk of toxicity).
Vitamin K antagonists: Appropriate monitoring should be undertaken. It would be prudent to monitor coagulation status within 3 days of starting or stopping a penicillin.
This is not a complete list. Please see the BNF, Summary of Product Characteristics or speak to a pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Safe.
Breastfeeding
Trace amounts in breastmilk, but appropriate to use. Monitor infant for gastro-intestinal disturbances and oral candida infection, especially if used for prolonged periods or in high doses, although these effects are unlikely to occur. There is also a theoretical risk of hypersensitivity.
References
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg Film-Coated Tabs (PL 08215/0178) [online]. Manufacturer - Brown and Burk UK Limited last updated: 05/15. Accessed via: www.emc.medicines.org.uk [Accessed 21/9/23
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. Accessed via: http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 21/9/23]
- The Renal Drug Database. Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) - last updated: 2017 Nov 21. Accessed via: https://renaldrugdatabase.com [Accessed 21/9/23].
- Specialist Pharmacy Service – Lactation Safety Information: phenoxymethylpenicillin 3/8//20 Accessed via: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/medicines [Accessed 21/9/23].
- UK Teratology Information Service - USE OF PHENOXYMETHYLPENICILLIN IN PREGNANCY– last updated 2019 Jan. Accessed via: https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/ [Accessed 2022 Nov 30]