Conversions : Amoxicillin to Phenoxymethyl Penicillin

• In contrast to narrow spectrum penicillin G and V, amoxicillin has got a wide antibiotic spectrum and is effective against some gram negative rods too
• Penicillin G and penicillin V are quite similar to each other but penicillin V is less effective against gram negative bacteria as compared to penicillin G

Disease specific

• Amoxicillin is at least as effective as penicillin V for the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis in children
• Injectable penicillin and oral amoxicillin are equivalent for severe pneumonia in children aged 3-59 months
• Both penicillin and amoxicillin are considered the first line of treatments for odontogenic infections.

Dosing for Pen V

• The dosage and frequency of Phenoxymethylpenicillin depends on the severity and localisation of the infection and expected pathogens.
• Phenoxymethylpenicillin Solution should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food, as ingestion of Phenoxymethylpenicillin with meals slightly reduces the absorption of the drug.
• Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg is approximately equivalent to 400,000 units.
• Adults/children over 12 years: 250mg - 500mg every six hours
• Children: Infants (up to 1 year): 62.5mg every 6 hours
• 1-5 years: 125mg every six hours
• 6-12 years: 250mg every six hour

References

1. http://www.emedexpert.com/compare-meds/amoxicillin-vs-penicillin.shtml
2. http://medlicker.com/869-penicillin-vs-amoxicillin
3. http://www.straighthealthcare.com/antibiotic-chart.html#penicillins
4. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/27478