Phenoxymethylpenicillin for Sinusitis

Yes. Phenoxymethylpenicillin is the first-choice antibiotic recommended by NICE for acute sinusitis when an antibiotic is needed, as long as you’re not allergic to penicillin. It works against the bacteria that most commonly cause sinus infections.

It will not help sinusitis 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 tablets online.

Yes. Phenoxymethylpenicillin and penicillin V are two names for the same medicine. It is a type of penicillin you take by mouth.

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 sinusitis.

If you think you have a bacterial sinus infection, 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.

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.

Most people with sinusitis do not need antibiotics. It is usually caused by a cold virus and clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. Painkillers, saline nasal rinses and decongestant sprays can help in the meantime.

Antibiotics may be recommended if your symptoms have lasted 10 days or more without improving, or if they got better and then worse again. Our prescribers use these clinical criteria during your consultation.

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.

For adults with sinusitis, the usual dose is 500mg (two 250mg tablets) four times a day for 5 days – 40 tablets in total. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

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, seek medical advice.

If you’re allergic to penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin is not suitable for you. Alternatives such as doxycycline or clarithromycin may be more appropriate. Your prescriber will review your medical history during your consultation.

Learn more about doxycycline for sinusitis and clarithromycin for sinusitis.

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.

Alcohol does not interact with phenoxymethylpenicillin, but it’s best to limit how much you drink, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sick.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin should not usually affect your ability to drive. If you feel unwell, do not drive or operate machinery 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.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, especially:

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

Rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if they’re suitable for you. Salt water nasal rinses, steam inhalation and sleeping with your head raised can also help ease a blocked nose and pressure.

Get urgent medical help from a GP or NHS 111, or go to A&E, if you have:

• Swelling or redness around your eyes
• Changes to your vision, such as double vision
• A severe headache that does not go away, or pain in your forehead with swelling
• Confusion, drowsiness or a stiff neck
• A very high temperature or you feel very unwell

These can be signs of a more serious infection that needs prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.