Acute uncomplicated cystitis, Chronic or recurrent bacteriuria Hypersensitivity, porphyria.

Mecillinams

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.

Adult Dose: Oral Acute uncomplicated cystitis Adult: Initially 400 mg followed by 200 mg tid for 8 doses. Chronic or recurrent bacteriuria Adult: 400 mg 3-4 times daily. Child Dose: Oral Acute uncomplicated cystitis Child: <40 kg with UTI: 20-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses. Chronic or recurrent bacteriuria Child: <40 kg with UTI: 20-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses.

Probenecid prolongs T1/2 of pivmecillinam. May cause prolonged bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Increased risk of carnitine deficiency when used with valproate.

Hypersensitivity, porphyria.

Hypersensitivity reactions including uticaria; fever; joint pains; rashes; angioedema; serum sickness-like reactions; haemolytic anaemia; interstitial nephritis; neutropaenia; thrombocytopaenia; CNS toxicity including convulsions; diarrhoea; antibiotic-associated colitis. Induction of carnitine deficiency. Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.

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

Precaution: Very high doses in poor renal function (risk of neurotoxicity) or heart failure. Avoid contact, skin sensitization may occur. Monitor serum K concentration, renal and haematological status. Spirochete infections particularly syphilis; suprainfection with penicillin-resistant organisms with prolonged use; avoid intrathecal route. May cause oesophageal injury.

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.

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

Mecillinams

Pivmecillinam has the antimicrobial activity of mecillinam to which it is hydrolysed in vivo. It interferes with the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is active against many gm-ve bacteria, esp Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Salmonella and Shigella spp; indole-positive Proteus and Serratia marcescens are resistant. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, but is more stable than ampicillin.

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