Treat Sore Throat With Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Learn how Phenoxymethylpenicillin treats Sore Throat, how to use it safely, who it's suitable for, and what results to expect. When clinically appropriate, our trained clinicians can assess your symptoms online and provide treatment without needing a GP appointment.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Phenoxymethylpenicillin Key Facts
Who Manufactures Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is manufactured by various MHRA approved generic manufacturers.
What Form is Phenoxymethylpenicillin available in?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is available as tablets and as an oral suspension.
How do I store Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
Store Phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets at room temperature, away from excess moisture and heat. Once made up store Phenoxymethylpenicillin suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Phenoxymethylpenicillin used for?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is used for the treatment of acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Phenoxymethylpenicillin work?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is an antibiotic that stops penicillin sensitive bacteria from growing and spreading.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should begin to feel better within a few days of starting Phenoxymethylpenicillin. Seek medical advice if you have no improvement after completion of the treatment course, or if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with Phenoxymethylpenicillin. However, avoiding alcohol will help you get over your infection faster.
Do I need to take Phenoxymethylpenicillin with food?
It's best not to take Phenoxymethylpenicillin at mealtimes because food can stop it from working well. Take it 30 minutes before a meal or at least 2 hours after you have eaten.
Who can and cannot take Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
You may take Phenoxymethylpenicillin if you meet the inclusion criteria for acute sore throats for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Phenoxymethylpenicillin if you meet the exclusion criteria for acute sore throat for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
You should take Phenoxymethylpenicillin for 5 days. Children aged 5 should take 125 mg of Phenoxymethylpenicillin, four times a day. Children aged 6 to 11 years of age, should take 250 mg four times a day, and children 12-17 years of age and adults should take 500 mg four times a day.
What are the side effects of Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
Side effects of Phenoxymethylpenicillin include diarrhoea, nausea, skin rash, hypersensitivity, vomiting and low blood platelet levels.
Are there any Interactions of Phenoxymethylpenicillin with other drugs?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin interacts with methotrexate, probenecid, and the Typhoid vaccine.
Other important information about Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Take Phenoxymethylpenicillin at regular intervals and finish the course even if your symptoms improve. Seek medical advice in the event of an adverse reaction or if any other new symptoms develop.
Does Phenoxymethylpenicillin interfere with conception and contraception?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop any type of contraception from working, however if Phenoxymethylpenicillin is not working for you and you're being sick, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Phenoxymethylpenicillin when breast feeding?
Caution should be exercised when prescribing Phenoxymethylpenicillin for the nursing mother. While adverse effects are rare, Phenoxymethylpenicillin may cause modification of bowel flora and direct effects on the nursing infant, such as allergy or sensitisation. Monitor your baby for gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, hypersensitivity, rashes and oral candida infection when breastfeeding and taking Phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Can I use Phenoxymethylpenicillin if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Caution should be exercised when prescribing Phenoxymethylpenicillin to pregnant patients. Phenoxymethylpenicillin is excluded from the Pharmacy First service for the treatment of acute sore throats if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant and are under the age of 16.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Phenoxymethylpenicillin Treats Sore Throat
What is Phenoxymethylpenicillin and how is it used for acute sore throat?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) is the first-line antibiotic for acute bacterial sore throat (streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis), as recommended by NICE. It is highly effective against Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the primary bacterial cause of sore throat. Available as 250 mg and 500 mg tablets and oral solution. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess sore throats and supply phenoxymethylpenicillin directly.
What is the dose of Phenoxymethylpenicillin for sore throat?
Adults: 500 mg four times daily for 5 days (or 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days per older NICE guidance — your pharmacist will advise). Children: dose is age and weight-based. Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. Space doses evenly through the day. Complete the full course to reduce the risk of rheumatic fever, peritonsillar abscess, and other complications.
Why is Phenoxymethylpenicillin first-line for sore throat?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is the preferred antibiotic because Group A Streptococcus has virtually no penicillin resistance, making it reliably effective. It has a narrow spectrum (targeting mainly streptococci), which is important for antimicrobial stewardship — it treats the target bacteria without unnecessarily disrupting other body bacteria. It is well-established, safe, and inexpensive.
Can I get Phenoxymethylpenicillin through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the free NHS Pharmacy First service enables pharmacists to assess acute sore throats using clinical scoring and supply phenoxymethylpenicillin where antibiotics are indicated. If you are allergic to penicillin, the pharmacist will offer an alternative such as clarithromycin.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and skin rash. Allergic reactions can occur in penicillin-allergic patients — inform the pharmacist of any allergy history. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare.
Why is it important to complete the full course?
Completing the full antibiotic course for streptococcal sore throat is important to fully eradicate the bacteria and reduce the risk of complications including peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), rheumatic fever, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Even if you feel better after 2–3 days, continue taking the antibiotics as prescribed.
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