What should you know about phenoxymethylpenicillin chest infection?

Phenoxymethylpenicillin may treat selected bacterial chest infections, but it does not treat viral infections. A clinician decides whether it is suitable after considering your symptoms, examination, allergies and medical history. A cough after a Common Cold or Acute Bronchitis often needs supportive care rather than an antibiotic.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It works against susceptible bacteria; it will not clear a viral cough or make phlegm disappear immediately. Chest infection symptoms can include Cough, Coughing Up Phlegm, Fever or Wheezing, but these symptoms alone cannot identify the cause. Tell the prescriber if you have ever had a reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Follow the label about timing and food, and do not share leftover antibiotics. If you miss a dose, follow the leaflet or ask a pharmacist rather than doubling up. Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoking while recovering. Nausea, loose stools or a mild rash can occur; report troublesome effects. Swelling of the lips or face, wheezing or difficulty breathing needs emergency help.

Contact a clinician if breathing becomes harder, fever is persistent or returning, chest pain develops, you cough blood, or your symptoms worsen despite treatment. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or a rapidly spreading rash with swelling. A GP Consultation can review whether the diagnosis or treatment needs to change; some people may need Nebuliser Treatment for airway symptoms.

What suggests a bacterial infection in my case? How should I take this medicine with my other treatments? What should I do if I develop diarrhoea, a rash or no improvement?