Generic
Pivmecillinam
Pharmacology
Pivmecillinam belongs to a new class of penicillin-the amdinopenicillin. Pivmecillinam is a prodrug formulation of mecillinam which allows the drug to be administered by mouth. The prodrug form lacks antibacterial activity, but the active drug is liberated by enzymatic hydrolysis during absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Pivmecillinam is bactericidal. It acts by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, but the site of action differs from that of other penicilins. Pivmecillinam is very active against Enterobacteriaceae. It is active against E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia. Pivmecillinam has poor activity against Gram- positive organisms. It has poor activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has practically no activity against Enterococcus faecalis.
Dosage Administration
The tablet should be taken with at least 50-100 ml fluid. As the bioavailability is practically unaffected by simultaneous food intake, This tablets are best taken with or immediately after a meal.
Contraindications
There have been no reports on allergy to Pivmecillinam among patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to penicillins and cephalosporins. Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to exclude such patients from treatment with Pivmecillinam until further experience has been gained.
Side Effects
Pivmecillinam is generally well tolerated, even by patients with reduced kidney function. Upper gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea or indigestion may occur when a dose has been given on an empty stomach. Skin rashes have been reported in some cases, but the characteristic ampicillin-rash has never been observed, nor has there been any evidence of hepato-, nephro-, or ototoxicity. The occurrence of anaphylaxis, though not yet reported, cannot be entirely excluded.
Therapeutic
There is no experience with over dosage of pivmecillinam. However, excessive doses are likely to cause nausea, vomiting and gastritis. Treatment should be restricted to symptomatic and supportive measures. If necessary haemodialysis will reduce the blood level.
Storage Conditions
Pivmecillinam is generally well tolerated, even by patients with reduced kidney function. Upper gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea or indigestion may occur when a dose has been given on an empty stomach. Skin rashes have been reported in some cases, but the characteristic ampicillin-rash has never been observed, nor has there been any evidence of hepato-, nephro-, or ototoxicity. The occurrence of anaphylaxis, though not yet reported, cannot be entirely excluded.
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