Cilicaine V (Phenoxymethylpenicillin Benzathine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cilicaine V Used For?
Cilicaine V is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. It’s prescribed to fight bacterial infections throughout your body by killing the harmful bacteria causing the infection.
Primary Uses
Cilicaine V treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It’s also used for preventing recurrence of rheumatic fever.
How It Works
Cilicaine V works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection. It will not work against infections caused by viruses such as colds or the flu.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Cilicaine V
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. The amount you need depends on the type of infection you have. Take your medicine at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: 250 mg to 500 mg every four to six hours, preferably one hour before food. For preventing rheumatic fever recurrence: 250 mg twice a day continuously. Children: the dose varies depending on their age, weight and severity of illness. Take on an empty stomach (one hour before meals and at bedtime) unless your doctor says otherwise. Shake the bottle well before each dose and use a medicine measure for accuracy.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea and vomiting
- black hairy tongue
- diarrhea
- pain or discomfort right below your ribs (epigastric distress)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- rash, itching or hives on the skin
- severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
- watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody
- fever in combination with severe diarrhea or cramps
Important Warnings
Before taking Cilicaine V, it’s crucial to tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have. Some people should not take this medication.
Who Should Not Take Cilicaine V
Do not use if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin benzathine, other penicillins, or cephalosporins. Do not take if you’re allergic to any ingredients listed. Check the expiry date and don’t use if the packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have asthma, kidney problems, or any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Like most medicines, Cilicaine V is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cilicaine V and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
Birth Control: You may need to use other birth control methods while taking Cilicaine V as it can interfere with oral contraceptive pills.
- oral contraceptive pills
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with both alcohol consumption and driving while taking Cilicaine V, as this medication may affect some people differently.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cilicaine V and for several days after completing treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Cilicaine V affects you. While it generally doesn’t cause problems with driving ability, it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness in some people.
Storage
Store Cilicaine V oral suspension in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Shake well before use. Keep the suspension in the bottle until it’s time to take it. Keep it where children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Cilicaine V, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting Cilicaine V, or if they become worse, contact your doctor. It’s important to complete the full course even if you feel better.
Cilicaine V is best taken on an empty stomach, one hour before meals and at bedtime, unless your doctor directs otherwise. This helps the medicine work most effectively.
No, Cilicaine V is not addictive. It’s an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria causing infections.
Don’t stop taking Cilicaine V just because you feel better unless your doctor advises you to. If you don’t complete the full course, not all bacteria may be killed, and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. It’s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Cilicaine V and for several days after completing treatment.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then continue normally. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Each person’s treatment needs to be prescribed specifically for them by a doctor.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.