Cilicaine VK (Phenoxymethylpenicillin (As Potassium))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cilicaine VK Used For?
Cilicaine VK is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacterial infections throughout your body.
Primary Uses
Cilicaine VK treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It may also be used to prevent recurrence of rheumatic fever.
How It Works
It works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection. Cilicaine VK will not work against infections caused by viruses such as colds or the flu.
Good to know: This medication only works against bacterial infections, not viral infections like colds or flu
How to Take Cilicaine VK
Take Cilicaine VK exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: 250 mg to 500 mg every four to six hours. To prevent recurrence of rheumatic fever: 250 mg twice a day for as long as your doctor tells you to. Take 1 hour before food. Continue taking until you finish the pack or for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is less than 4 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
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:
- skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- black hairy tongue
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty in breathing
- severe diarrhea (may occur weeks after stopping treatment)
- sore mouth or tongue (could indicate thrush infection)
Important Warnings
Before taking Cilicaine VK, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and allergies.
Who Should Not Take Cilicaine VK
Do not take if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin, any other penicillin medicines, cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the capsules. If you have an allergic reaction to cephalosporin, you may have an increased chance of being allergic to Cilicaine VK.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; history of diarrhea after taking antibiotics; bleeding disorders; kidney problems; liver problems; asthma or tendency to develop allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cilicaine VK and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Birth Control: You may need to use other birth control methods while taking Cilicaine VK
- probenecid (used to treat gout)
- antacids (used to reduce heartburn or indigestion)
- oral contraceptive pills (may need alternative birth control methods)
- aminoglycosides (used to treat some bacterial infections)
- methotrexate (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers and inflammatory conditions)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Cilicaine VK affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cilicaine VK affects you.
Storage
Keep capsules in the pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, or in the car on hot days. Keep where children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Cilicaine VK, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor immediately. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well.
Cilicaine VK should be taken 1 hour before food for best effectiveness.
Do not stop taking Cilicaine VK without checking with your doctor. Your infection and symptoms may not clear completely if you stop early.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after you have stopped taking Cilicaine VK. Do not take any medicine for diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Do not take if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin, any other penicillin medicines, or cephalosporins. If you have an allergic reaction to cephalosporin, you may have an increased chance of being allergic to Cilicaine VK.
Tell your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions including kidney or liver problems, bleeding disorders, asthma, or history of diarrhea after antibiotics. Also inform them if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
The usual adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg every four to six hours. Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical condition.
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.