Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Penicillin antibacterial

For more detailed drug information, see Phenoxymethylpenicillin in the AMH.

Dosage – Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Bacterial infections

Length of course depends on the infection and its response to treatment.

1 month – 18 years, oral 10–12.5 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) 4 times a day (usual adult dose 250–500 mg 4 times a day).

Presumed Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus) tonsillitis or pharyngitis

1 month – 18 years, oral 15 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily for 10 days.

Treatment reduces the risk of rheumatic fever in at-risk children (antibacterials are not indicated for mild tonsillitis in low-risk communities).

Rheumatic fever

Treatment of acute attack

1 month – 18 years, oral 15 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily for 10 days.

Prevention of recurrence

1 month – 18 years, oral 250 mg twice daily. For duration of therapy, see Practice points.

Off-label use

Product information does not include doses for prevention of rheumatic fever for children.

Practice points

• benzathine benzylpenicillin is preferred for treatment and prevention of rheumatic fever

• duration of antibacterial prophylaxis after acute rheumatic fever depends on risk of recurrence and the consequences for the patient; for further information, see the Australian guideline at rhdaustralia.org.au/​arf-rhd-guidelines

• generally use where high tissue concentrations are not required

Products

Search for Phenoxymethylpenicillin on the PBS

• tab, 250 mg, 25, Aspecillin VK, PBS[50]/PBS‑R[50]¹

• tab, 500 mg (scored), 25, Aspecillin VK, PBS[50]

• cap, 250 mg, 50, Cilicaine VK, LPV, PBS/PBS‑R¹

• cap, 500 mg, 50, Cilicaine VK, LPV, PBS

• oral liquid, 25 mg/mL, powder, 100 mL, Phenoxymethylpenicillin^a, PBS[200 mL]

• oral liquid, 30 mg/mL, 100 mL, Cilicaine V, PBS[200 mL]

• oral liquid, 50 mg/mL, powder, 100 mL, Phenoxymethylpenicillin^a, PBS[200 mL]

¹ prophylaxis of recurrent streptococcal infections (including rheumatic fever)

^a generic brands available