Pivmecillinam for infection

About pivmecillinam

Pivmecillinam is used to treat bacterial infections, such as some urinary tract infections. It is also used to treat infections caused by a type of germ (bacterium) called salmonella. Pivmecillinam works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

Before taking pivmecillinam

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking pivmecillinam it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have an allergic condition, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. This is particularly important if you have ever had a bad reaction to a penicillin antibiotic.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any difficulties swallowing.

• If you think you may have a blockage in your digestive system.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you have a condition that reduces the amount of a substance called carnitine in your body.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take pivmecillinam

• Before you start this antibiotic, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about pivmecillinam and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take pivmecillinam exactly as your doctor tells you to. You may be asked to take one or two tablets, three or four times daily, depending upon the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you, and this will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. Space the doses out evenly during the day.

• You should take pivmecillinam with a meal or snack. Swallow the tablets whole - do not chew or crush the tablets. Have plenty to drink as you take the tablets (at least half a glassful), and make sure you are sitting or standing upright so that the tablets don't become stuck in your throat and cause irritation and/or ulcers.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking this antibiotic until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop by your doctor). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment with this antibiotic usually lasts for a few days. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor.

• If you have an infection that keeps coming back or is long-term (chronic), you may be prescribed pivmecillinam to take over a longer period of time. If so, your doctor will ask to see you on a regular basis so that your progress can be monitored. You will need to have a blood test from time to time to check that your kidneys and liver are working properly.

• Some people develop thrush (a fungal infection causing redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• If you are using combined oral hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick (vomit) or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can pivmecillinam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with pivmecillinam. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these may be signs that you are allergic to a penicillin antibiotic. Do not take any more tablets, and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pivmecillinam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines