Biopen VK Tablet | Phenoxymethyl Penicillin [Penicillin V]

✔️ Dosage & Administration

Dosage should be individualized based on infection severity and pathogen sensitivity.

Best taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Syrup form should be shaken well before each use.

✔️ Overdose

Low toxicity and wide therapeutic range.

Overdose may cause encephalopathy, seizures, or confusion, particularly in patients with renal impairment.

Treatment: discontinue drug; symptomatic care.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin can be removed by hemodialysis if necessary.

✔️ Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, urticaria, pruritus, eosinophilia, drug fever, vasculitis, serum sickness, or interstitial nephritis.
• Anaphylaxis: rare but possible; may involve angioedema, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, or shock.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea (including pseudomembranous colitis).
• Hematologic: rare blood dyscrasias (leucopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia).
• CNS: encephalopathy (especially in overdose or renal impairment).
• Others: transient tooth discoloration, stomatitis, taste alteration, dry mouth, Herxheimer reaction in spirochetal infections.
• If pseudomembranous colitis or anaphylaxis is suspected, discontinue immediately and seek medical help.

✔️ Drug Interactions

• Food: Slows absorption; therefore, take Biopen VK before meals.
• Methotrexate: Serum levels may increase — monitor closely for toxicity.
• Tetracyclines, chloramphenicol: May reduce the antibacterial activity of penicillin.
• Probenecid, indomethacin, salicylates: Prolong penicillin serum levels by reducing renal excretion.
• Oral contraceptives: May reduce efficacy due to decreased estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May increase INR/prothrombin time.
• Aminoglycosides (e.g., neomycin): Intestinal sterilization may decrease Biopen VK absorption.
• May cause false-positive urine glucose and urobilinogen test results.

✔️ Contraindications (ব্যবহার নিষেধ):

Hypersensitivity to penicillins or any component of the formulation.

Severe gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea (impaired absorption).

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: May be used when clearly indicated; crosses the placenta but has no known teratogenic effect.

Lactation: Excreted in small amounts in breast milk; generally safe, though infants may experience diarrhea or oral yeast infection.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

• Cross-allergy may occur between penicillins and cephalosporins.
• Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment, epilepsy, or electrolyte imbalance, as β-lactams may predispose to encephalopathy or seizures.
• Long-term use may promote resistant bacteria or secondary infections; monitor periodically.
• Patients with diabetes should note the sugar content of the syrup.
• If neurological symptoms such as confusion or convulsions appear, avoid driving or operating machinery.

✔️ Storage:

Store below 25°C, protected from light, heat, and moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.