Alternative to first-lineantibiotic treatment of diphtheria
Completion treatment following parenteral therapy with penicillin
Forms and strengths
250 mg tablet (400 000 IU)
Powder for oral suspension, 125 mg/5 ml (200 000 IU/5 ml):
to be reconstituted with filtered water
to be administered using a measuring device (oral syringe, measuring spoon, or cup with graduations)
Dosage
Streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever
Age
Weight
Daily dose
125 mg/5 ml oral susp.
250 mg tablet
< 1 year
< 10 kg
125mg x 2
5 ml x 2
−
1 to < 6 years
10 to < 21 kg
250mg x 2
10 ml x 2
−
6 to < 12 years
21 to < 39 kg
500mg x 2
20 ml x 2
2 tab x 2
≥ 12 years and adult
≥ 39 kg
1 g x 2
−
4 tab x 2
Diphtheria
Child under40 kg: 10 to 15 mg/kg (max. 500 mg) 4 times daily
Child 40 kg and over and adult: 500 mg 4 times daily
Duration
Streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever: 10 days Diphtheria: 14 days
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer to patients with allergy to penicillin.
Administer with caution to patients with allergy to cephalosporin (cross-sensitivity may occur) or severe renal impairment (reduce dose).
May cause: diarrhea, nausea; allergic reactions sometimes severe. Do not combine with methotrexate.
Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
Take between meals.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is also used in children for the prevention of pneumococcal infections in sickle cell disease and recurrence of acute rheumatic fever.
Storage
– Below 25 °C
For the oral suspension(powder or reconstituted suspension): follow manufacturer’s instructions.