Yes. Phenoxymethylpenicillin is the first-choice antibiotic recommended by NICE for a bacterial sore throat or tonsillitis, as long as you’re not allergic to penicillin. It targets the streptococcus bacteria that most commonly cause bacterial tonsillitis, helping to clear the infection and ease symptoms such as throat pain and fever.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin won’t help tonsillitis caused by a virus, which is the most common cause.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy phenoxymethylpenicillin online.

Yes. Phenoxymethylpenicillin and penicillin V are two names for the same medicine. You may also see it called penicillin VK or pen V. It’s a type of penicillin you take by mouth, unlike benzylpenicillin (penicillin G), which is given by injection.

You cannot buy phenoxymethylpenicillin over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy phenoxymethylpenicillin for tonsillitis.]

If you think you have tonsillitis, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets through our online pharmacy with next day UK delivery.

You can order phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe phenoxymethylpenicillin if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation, such as if you have bacterial tonsillitis.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for phenoxymethylpenicillin. If prescribed, you can order phenoxymethylpenicillin online with UK-wide next day delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

Not always. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses and get better on their own in about a week with rest, fluids and painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Antibiotics are usually only recommended when your symptoms suggest a bacterial infection, such as a high temperature, pus on your tonsils, symptoms that came on quickly, very inflamed tonsils and no cough or cold. Our prescribers use recognised clinical criteria during your consultation to decide whether antibiotics are likely to help.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take your dose four times a day at evenly spaced times. For instance, one dose in the morning, one at midday, one in the late afternoon and one at bedtime.
• Take it on an empty stomach – at least 30 minutes before food or at least 2 to 3 hours after eating.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

In adults, a course of phenoxymethylpenicillin for tonsillitis is usually 500mg (two 250mg tablets) four times a day for 5 days. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course of treatment as recommended.

How long it takes to clear the infection is different for everybody. Many people start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment.

If your symptoms get worse, or do not start to improve after a few days of treatment, seek medical advice. Do not start another course of antibiotics without a new assessment.

For adults, the usual dose is two 250mg tablets (500mg) four times a day for 5 days – 40 tablets in total. Your specialist prescriber will confirm your treatment schedule, and it will be printed on your prescription label. Dosing information is also included in the patient information leaflet inside your medication box.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point, log into your My Chemist Plus account to speak to us about a specific prescription, or email one of the friendly team who will be happy to assist you.

If you’re allergic to penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin is not suitable for you because it is a penicillin. For people with a penicillin allergy, an alternative antibiotic such as clarithromycin may be more appropriate. Your prescriber will review your medical history during your consultation to consider the most suitable treatment for you.

Learn more about clarithromycin for tonsillitis and how it can help.

Yes. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken alongside phenoxymethylpenicillin to help ease throat pain and fever while you recover, if they’re suitable for you. Follow the directions on the packet and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure whether either painkiller is safe with your health conditions or other medicines.

You can usually take phenoxymethylpenicillin if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Just let your prescriber know during your consultation so they can offer you the right guidance.

If you’re breastfeeding, very small amounts of phenoxymethylpenicillin can pass into your breast milk. This is not usually harmful, but if your baby develops diarrhoea, a rash or seems unsettled, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol does not interact with phenoxymethylpenicillin, but it’s best to limit how much you drink during your treatment course. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sick or an upset stomach.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin should not usually affect your ability to drive. But, some side effects may have an effect, such as an allergic reaction. If you feel unwell, do not drive or operate machinery. It’s best to wait until you feel better.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin does not affect the contraceptive pill directly. It also does not affect the emergency contraceptive pill. But, phenoxymethylpenicillin can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some people.

If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, this may prevent your contraceptive pill from working. To find out what to do, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive medication, speak to your doctor, or visit the NHS website for guidance.

Some medicines may not mix well with phenoxymethylpenicillin. Tell your prescriber about everything you take, especially:

• Methotrexate
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Probenecid, used for gout
• Other antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, erythromycin or neomycin
• The oral typhoid vaccine

Get urgent medical help from a GP or NHS 111 if you:

• Have severe pain or swelling on one side of your throat
• Cannot swallow fluids or are drooling
• Have a muffled voice or difficulty opening your mouth
• Have symptoms that are getting worse despite treatment

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.