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Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) is a prescription-only antibiotic used to treat sore throat, pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by bacteria such as group A streptococcus (Strep A). At Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed your symptoms and confirmed that an antibiotic is appropriate. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better without antibiotics.
How to access this medicine
- Start your free online assessment. Complete a short questionnaire and confirm your identity by uploading photo ID or showing it on a video call.
- Pharmacist reviews and speaks with you. A GPhC-registered pharmacist contacts you by phone or video. For a sore throat, the pharmacist will usually ask you to come into our Holborn pharmacy for a free throat examination.
- If suitable, order and pay on this page. Once the pharmacist confirms the medicine is suitable, you select the course and check out on this page, or call 020 8106 7084. If it is not suitable — including when the pharmacist recommends self-care instead — you pay nothing and the pharmacist explains your other options. If you have already paid and the pharmacist finds the medicine is not suitable, you receive a full refund.
- We post your medicine or you collect it. Once approved, orders placed by 3pm on a weekday are posted the same day (see our shipping policy), or you can collect from Holborn.
There is no separate consultation fee. If the medicine you chose is not suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option.
About this medicine
| Active ingredient | Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg (as potassium salt) — brand may vary |
|---|---|
| Medicine type | Penicillin antibiotic |
| Used for | Bacterial sore throat, pharyngitis and tonsillitis when the pharmacist's assessment shows an antibiotic is likely to help |
| Pack | 40 tablets — a 5-day course at the adult dose |
| Price | £19.99 for a 5-day course · no consultation fee |
How the pharmacist decides
The pharmacist uses a recognised scoring system (FeverPAIN or Centor) together with a throat examination. Antibiotics are offered only when the score and your symptoms suggest a bacterial infection. See our sore throat service for details.
Dosage
- Adults and children aged 12 and over: 500mg (2 tablets) four times a day for 5 days
- Children aged 6 to 11: 250mg (1 tablet) four times a day for 5 days, with a parent or guardian present at the consultation
- Take on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after
- Finish the whole course, even if you feel better sooner
The pharmacist will confirm the exact dose for you.
Who should not take this medicine
- Anyone allergic to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics (the pharmacist can consider clarithromycin or erythromycin instead)
- People with warning signs that need urgent care: difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva, drooling, a muffled voice or severe one-sided throat pain
- People whose sore throat has lasted more than 7 days or has not improved after antibiotics — please see a GP
Possible side effects
The most common are feeling sick, diarrhoea and a mild rash. Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash. Tell the pharmacist about any other medicines you take, including methotrexate.
Regulatory information
- Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (POM), supplied under a Patient Group Direction after pharmacist assessment
- Pharmacy: Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · GPhC-registered premises 9012227
- Patient information leaflet: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc)
- Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
This page gives factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. It is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help prevent future bacterial infections after treatment?
Preventive steps include maintaining good hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and completing any prescribed antibiotics fully. Supporting your immune system through proper rest and nutrition can also help. Click Start Consultation now to access a safe and effective antibiotic treatment.
What is the review process after placing my order for Phenoxymethylpenicillin?
After submitting your consultation and payment, our medical team carefully checks your answers to confirm the medication is safe for you. If your chosen product isn’t suitable, we’ll recommend an alternative. Approved orders are processed and dispatched straight to your address—no additional steps required.
How do I get Phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets through Ways Pharmacy?
Start by clicking Start Consultation and answering a few medical questions. Once you select and pay for your preferred medication, our clinical team will review the order to ensure it’s a safe and effective option. If a different treatment is more appropriate, our pharmacist will offer a suitable alternative. Once approved, your order will be dispatched promptly with no further action needed.
Who is most likely to need Phenoxymethylpenicillin and what are the common causes of infection?
Bacterial infections often arise from exposure to bacteria through the air, physical contact, or contaminated surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune systems or frequent infections may benefit from Phenoxymethylpenicillin. Click Start Consultation to begin your tailored assessment and see if this treatment is right for you.
What is Phenoxymethylpenicillin and what symptoms does it treat?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like throat infections, ear infections, and certain skin conditions. It works by eliminating the bacteria causing your symptoms. To check if this treatment is suitable for your condition, click Start Consultation, choose your medication, and complete the short assessment.
Reviewed Date
04 June 2025
Published On
04 June 2025
Last Updated
04 June 2025
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Free UK delivery: eligible orders £50+; selected items £60+