Cilicaine VK 500mg (Penicillin)

Cilicaine general information

What is Cilicaine used for?

Cilicaine capsules 500mg are used to treat mild to moderately severe infections caused by certain sensitive bacteria. Infections that can be treated by Cilicaine VK include, streptococcal throat infections like tonsillitis and pharyngitis; streptococcal skin infections, gum infections (gingivitis); respiratory pneumococcal infections; scarlet fever and mild anthrax infections. Cilicaine capsules 500mg are used to prevent recurrent streptococcal infections following rheumatic fever; for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease and/or rheumatic fever who are going to have dental or upper respiratory surgery.

How does Cilicaine work?

Cilicaine capsules 500mg contain phenoxymethyl penicillin, also known as penicillin V, which is an acid stable orally active form of the antibiotic penicillin. Phenoxymethyl penicillin in Cilicaine VK is better absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract than the conventional form of penicillin, benzylpenicillin because it is resistant to inactivation by stomach acid. Cilicaine VK is less active than benzylpenicillin, which is used to treat infections where high tissue concentrations are required for serious infections like cellulites and meningitis but it must be given by injection as it is inactivated by gastric acid in the stomach. Phenoxymethyl penicillin in Cilicaine capsules 500mg contains a structure called the beta-lactam ring, which blocks the formation of cell wall mucopeptides in susceptible bacteria during the stage of active multiplication, and this prevent replication and kills the bacteria.

What does Cilicaine contain?

Cilicaine capsules 500mg contain the active ingredient phenoxymethyl penicillin, an acid stable orally active form of the antibiotic penicillin. They also contain gelatin, brilliant blue FCF CI42090, sunset yellow FCF CI15985, erythrosine CI45430, titanium dioxide and magnesium stearate.

Treating bacterial infection with Cilicaine

Cilicaine capsules 500mg contain phenoxymethyl penicillin, also known as penicillin V, which is a form of the antibiotic penicillin that is not inactivated by stomach acid and can is therefore orally active. Cilicaine VK is used to treat mild to moderately severe infections caused by certain sensitive bacteria, including, streptococcal throat infections like tonsillitis and pharyngitis; streptococcal skin infections, gum infections (gingivitis); respiratory pneumococcal infections; scarlet fever and mild anthrax infections. Cilicaine VK is also used to prevent in recurrent streptococcal infections following rheumatic fever; for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease and/or rheumatic fever who are going to have dental or upper respiratory surgery. Phenoxymethyl penicillin in Cilicaine capsules 500mg blocks the formation of bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria which prevent replication and kills the bacteria.

What are the side effects of Cilicaine?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cilicaine capsules 500mg include: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), candidiasis (oral and vaginal thrush), black hairy tongue (caused by growth or projections on the tongue called papillae where bacteria collect; may be due to yeast growth).

When should Cilicaine not be used?

You should not use Cilicaine capsules 500mg if you:

• are allergic to phenoxymethyl penicillin or any ingredients in Cilicaine VK
• are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney or liver disease, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Cilicaine VK, including: probenecid (for gout), oral contraceptives (as these may be less effective), antacids, some other antibiotics, the anticancer drug methotrexate

How should Cilicaine be taken?

You should take your Cilicaine capsules 500mg with a glass of water, I hour before food, usually every 4 to 6 hours. The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendation, which may be 1-2 capsules 1-3 times a day, usually for up to 5-10 days. Always finish your course of Cilicaine VK even if you feel better, if not the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

How long should you take Cilicaine?

You should continue to take your Cilicaine capsules 500mg until you have finished them; always finish your course of Cilicaine VK even if you feel better, if not the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

Missed dose of Cilicaine

If you miss a dose of Cilicaine capsules 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Cilicaine be stored?

You should store your Cilicaine capsules 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.