Pivmecillinam

Uses

Pivmecillinam is used for treatment of infections caused by mecillinam-sensitive organisms, e.g. acute cystitis, complicated urinary tract infections, salmonellosis, shigellosis, enteropathic E. coli diarrhoea, gram-negative septicaemia, billiary infections.

Pivmecillinam is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Urinary tract infection caused by E. coli, Urinary tract infection caused by enterobacteria, Urinary tract infection caused by klebsiella, Urinary tract infection caused by proteus

How Pivmecillinam works

Pivmecillinam interferes with the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall however its activity is slightly different from that of other penicillins and cephalosporins

Dosage

Pivmecillinam dosage

Adults:

• The usual dose: 1-2 tablets 3 times daily according to severity of the infection.
• In acute uncomplicated cystitis:initially 400 mg then 200 mg every 8 hours for 3 days.
• In chronic or recurrent bacteriurea:400 mg 6-8 hours.
• For the treatment of salmonellosis (including enteric fever):1.2-2.4 gm daily for 14 days. To eliminate salmonella carriage, therapy may be prolonged for 2-4 weeks. In complicated urinary tract infection the usual treatment time is 1-2 weeks.
• For prophylactic treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections: 1 tablet every evening is recommended.

Children:

• Weighing less than 20 kg should be given 20-60 mg/kg divided into 3-4 daily doses. Those weighing more than 20 kg should receive normal adult dose.
• In shigellosis:20 mg/kg 4 times a day for 5 days.
• For UTI:20-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses
• For salmonellosis:30-60 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses

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.

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.

Precaution

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.

Food Interaction

• Take with or without food. The absorption is unaffected by food.

Elimination Route

Well absorbed following oral administration.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Mecillinam concentrations approximately 1/3 of the serum levels have been found in the umbilical cord, and low but detectable amounts in the amniotic fluid. So, use of pivmecillinam in pregnancy should be avoided. Mecillinam is not excreted into the milk of lactating mother

Contraindication

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.

Special Warning

Based on information available to date for patients with impaired renal function, the initial dose can remain unchanged as can the interval between doses. However, the amount administered as the maintenance dose should be changed according to the following criteria:

• CrCl 30 ml/min or greater: full dosage
• CrCl 10-30 ml/min: 50% dosage
• CrCl <10 ml/min: 25% dosage

Use of Pivmecillinam in infants under 3 months of age should be avoided.

Storage Condition

Store at a cool and dry place, protect from light and moisture.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Pivmecillinam