Biopen VK 125 mg/5 ml (Powder for Suspension)

Title

• Biopen VK

Categories

• Medicine
• Antibiotic

Description

• Treatment for mild to moderately severe bacterial infections
• Acid-stable and absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine
• Dosage should be determined according to the sensitivity of the causative micro-organism
• Best taken with an empty stomach
• Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins or severe gastrointestinal disorders
• Potential side effects include skin hypersensitivity reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, transient discolouration of teeth, and risk of encephalopathy
• Crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk in small amounts
• Low toxicity and broad therapeutic range

Indications

• Tonsillitis
• Pharyngitis
• Laryngitis
• Otitis media
• Sinusitis
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Scarlet fever
• Erysipelas
• Skin infections
• Lymphadenitis
• Bacterial infections of the buccal cavity, gums or jaws

Pharmacology

• Acid-stable
• Absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine
• Best absorbed when administered orally at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
• Convenient for treating Gram-positive infections
• Advantage over penicillin G in resistance to inactivation by gastric acid

Dosage

• Adults: 250-500 mg 6 hourly
• Children (above 1 year):
  • 125-250 mg 6 hourly
  • 125 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: 1-2 teaspoonful (5-10 ml) 6 hourly
  • 250 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: ½-1 teaspoonful (2.5-5 ml) 6 hourly
• Infants (below 1 year):
  • 62.5-125 mg 6 hourly
  • 125 mg/5 ml powder for suspension: ½-1 teaspoonful (2.5-5 ml) 6 hourly

Administration

• Best taken on an empty stomach
• Tablets should be swallowed without chewing with sufficient amounts of liquid
• Syrup bottle has to be shaken vigorously before each use

Interaction

• Food: Best taken on an empty stomach
• Drug interactions:
  • Concomitant administration may lead to increased levels of methotrexate in serum
  • Concurrent use of probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of penicillins
  • Concurrent use of certain drugs may cause elevated and prolonged serum levels of phenoxymethylpenicillin
  • May cause a transient reduction in plasma concentrations of oestrogens and gestagens
  • May be reduced by intestinal sterilization with aminoglycosides
  • Combined use with oral anticoagulants may prolong prothrombin time/INR
• Interference with laboratory and diagnostic tests:
  • Non-enzymatic urine glucose determinations and tests for urobilinogen may give false-positive results

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to penicillins or any excipients
• Severe gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea

Side effects

• Hypersensitivity reactions involving the skin
• Allergic reactions
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions
• Skin rashes or inflammation of mucous membranes
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Diarrhoea and enterocolitis
• Changes in blood picture
• Herxheimer's reaction
• Drug-induced aseptic meningitis
• Transient discolouration of teeth

Pregnancy lactation

• Crosses the placenta
• Can be used throughout pregnancy
• Passes into breast milk in small amounts
• May cause diarrhoea and yeast colonization of mucous membranes in the infant

Precautions warnings

• Consider cross-allergy between cephalosporins and penicillins
• Consider potassium content when treating patients with heart diseases or serious electrolyte disturbances
• Regular checking of the patient's condition
• Consideration of the sugar content in patients with diabetes mellitus
• No indication of impaired ability to drive or operate machinery

Overdose effects

• Toxicity: Low
• Risk: Encephalopathy in cases of administration of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment
• Special measures: Not required, elimination can be accomplished through haemodialysis

Therapeutic class

• Benzylpenicillin
• Phenoxymethyl penicillin

Storage conditions

Cool and dry place, protect from light

Related Brands

• Biopen VK 250 mg (Tablet) - biopharma-limited