LPV (Phenoxymethylpenicillin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is LPV Used For?
LPV is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called penicillins. It works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Primary Uses
LPV is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent infections before, during and after surgery.
How It Works
These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection. LPV will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds.
Good to know: LPV will not work against viral infections like colds
How to Take LPV
Your doctor will decide the best dose and how often you should take LPV. Follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the full course prescribed by them.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Take about one hour before food or two hours after food. It can be taken with food, but it may not be as effective. Complete the full course even if you begin to feel better after a few days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Take LPV regularly at the same time each day.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed
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:
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- fever
- black hairy tongue
- rash and itchiness
- sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe stomach cramps or pain
- severe watery or bloody diarrhoea
- fever (when associated with severe diarrhoea)
- sudden signs of allergy with skin reactions
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or trouble breathing
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking LPV that you should discuss with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take LPV
Do not take LPV if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin, any other penicillins or to any of the ingredients. Do not take if packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medicines (particularly cephalosporin antibiotics), foods, preservatives or dyes. Inform them if you have previously had or currently have any health issues such as asthma, potassium deficiency or high potassium blood levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking LPV while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching or hives
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with LPV and affect how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines affect LPV
- medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- any other medicines for any condition
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities that require alertness until you know how LPV affects you.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol whilst taking medication is not recommended. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how LPV affects you. LPV is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be careful until you know how it affects you. Children should be careful riding bicycles or climbing on playground equipment.
Storage
Store capsules below 25°C in a cool dry place. Store LPV in the blister pack until it is time to take them. Keep away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have taken too much LPV, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), 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
Take LPV about one hour before food or two hours after food for best effectiveness. It can be taken with food, but it may not be as effective.
Tell your doctor immediately if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, become worse, or you do not feel well while taking LPV.
No, complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you don’t finish all your LPV, the bacteria may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
Call your doctor straight away if you experience severe stomach cramps, severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, with or without fever. Do not take any diarrhoea medication without first checking with your doctor.
Each LPV 250mg capsule contains 28mg potassium and each LPV 500mg capsule contains 55mg potassium. Tell your doctor if you have potassium deficiency or high potassium blood levels.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking LPV, especially if they are about to prescribe any new medication for you.
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medicines, particularly cephalosporin antibiotics. Do not take LPV if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin or any other penicillins.
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.