Before taking pivmecillinam

Before taking pivmecillinam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.
• If you have any difficulties swallowing.
• If you have any blockage in your digestive system.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you know you have a carnitine deficiency.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take pivmecillinam

• Before taking pivmecillinam, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take pivmecillinam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• To prevent these tablets from causing irritation in your throat, take them while you are standing or sitting up during a meal. Swallow them whole (not crushed or chewed) with at least half a glass of water.
• Take your doses spread out evenly during the day and try to take them at the same times each day. This is important in order to keep a steady level of pivmecillinam in your body.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
• Complete the full course you have been prescribed unless your doctor has told you otherwise. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are taking pivmecillinam over a long period of time, keep your regular appointment with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You will need to have regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.
• If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to 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, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• A severe itchy rash
• Severe diarrhoea

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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Selexid® Tablets, Leo Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010.
• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.