Phylopen

About Phylopen IV/IM Injection (Flucloxacillin)

Phylopen IV/IM Injection, containing flucloxacillin, is a penicillin-class antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by interfering with the building of bacterial cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria. It is particularly effective against bacteria that produce penicillinase, an enzyme that can break down many other penicillin antibiotics.

What Phylopen IV/IM Injection Treats

Phylopen IV/IM Injection is prescribed for a range of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as pneumonia and sinusitis.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Including staphylococcal skin infections, boils, infected eczema, infected acne, burns, wounds, and abscesses.
• Severe Infections: Including meningitis, endocarditis (infection of the heart lining), septicaemia (blood poisoning), and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Such as enteritis.
• Other Infections: Including tonsillitis.
• Surgical Prophylaxis: To prevent infections after surgery.

Dosing Information

Adult Dosing (including elderly patients)

• Oral: 250-500 mg three to four times a day.
• Intravenous (IV): 0.25-1 g four times a day. This dose may be doubled in severe cases.
  • Osteomyelitis: Up to 8 g per day in 3-4 divided doses.
  • Endocarditis:
    • Patients weighing less than 85 kg: Up to 8 g per day in 4 divided doses.
    • Patients weighing more than 85 kg: Up to 12 g per day in 6 divided doses.

Child Dosing

• Oral: 12.5-25 mg/kg body weight four times a day.
• Intravenous (IV):
  • 2-10 years: Half of the adult dose.
  • Under 2 years: One-fourth of the adult dose.

Renal Dosing

• Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) < 10 mL/min: Dosage adjustment may be necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose.

Administration

• Oral (if applicable): Should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before meals.
• Reconstitution for IV/IM Injection:
  • For 250-500 mg: Dissolve in 5-10 mL of water for injection.
  • For 1 g: Dissolve in 15-20 mL of water for injection.
  • For IV Infusion: Further dilute in suitable IV fluids such as water for injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride, 5% Glucose, or 0.18% Sodium Chloride with 4% Glucose.

Important Considerations

Do Not Use If You Have:

• Hypersensitivity: A known allergy to penicillins.
• Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system or skin.

Precautions:

• Kidney or Heart Problems: Use with caution in patients with poor kidney function (due to the risk of neurotoxicity at very high doses) or heart failure.
• Skin Sensitization: Avoid skin contact with the medication, as it may cause sensitization.
• Monitoring: Your doctor may monitor your serum potassium concentration, kidney function, and blood cell counts during treatment.
• Spirochete Infections (e.g., Syphilis): Use with caution.
• Suprainfection: Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of penicillin-resistant organisms.
• Intrathecal Route: Avoid administering this medication directly into the spinal fluid.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution.
• Liver Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver problems.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant.
• Lactation: Flucloxacillin enters breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Potential Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as some can interact with flucloxacillin:

• Methotrexate: May increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
• Estrogen-containing Oral Contraceptives: May decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
• Probenecid: Can increase flucloxacillin concentrations in the blood.
• Bacteriostatic Drugs (e.g., Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline): These drugs stop bacterial growth and may interfere with flucloxacillin’s ability to kill bacteria.
• Oral Anticoagulants: May prolong bleeding time in patients taking blood thinners.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Phylopen IV/IM Injection can cause side effects. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Common Side Effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Hives, fever, joint pains, rashes, angioedema (swelling under the skin), serum sickness-like reactions.
• Diarrhea
• Hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes due to bile flow problems)
• Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein at the IV injection site)

Less Common or Serious Side Effects:

• Hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
• Interstitial nephritis (kidney inflammation)
• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• CNS toxicity (nervous system effects) including convulsions
• Antibiotic-associated colitis (severe bowel inflammation)
• Agranulocytosis (very low white blood cell count)

Potentially Fatal Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention):

• Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): A severe, blistering skin reaction.

How it Works

Flucloxacillin works by inhibiting the third and final step of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It does this by binding to specific proteins inside the bacterial cell wall called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This action disrupts the integrity of the cell wall, leading to the death of the bacteria. Flucloxacillin is effective against both penicillinase-producing (bacteria that can break down penicillin) and non-penicillinase-producing staphylococci.

Disclaimer: This information about Phylopen IV/IM Injection is for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.