Selexid

What is Selexid?

Selexid is an antibiotic that treats urinary tract infections (UTIs) of the bladder, urethra and ureters (narrow tubes that run from your kidneys to your bladder).

UTI is a common infection that affects approximately 40-50% of women at least once in their lifetime. It’s typically uncomplicated and usually resolves on its own without treatment. But treatment can reduce your symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body, such as your kidneys. UTIs in men are uncommon, but if they do occur, they are considered complicated and require longer treatment plans.

How does Selexid work?

E.coli, P. mirabilis, S. saprophyticus and K. pneumoniae are some of the most common bacteria in UTI patients. They stick to the surface of the urinary tract and produce toxins, leading to infections. The first-line treatment for UTIs is usually an antibiotic. Selexid is an antibiotic containing pivmecillinam hydrochloride. It's part of a group of drugs called penicillins, which inhibit the synthesis of the cell wall in bacteria. It’s most effective against bacteria such as E.coli, Klebsiella and Proteus, making it a suitable treatment for UTIs.

What doses of Selexid are there?

There’s only one dose of Selexid available (200mg). The typical dosage for adults and children weighing more than 40kg is 2 tablets taken immediately, followed by 1 tablet every 8 hours, up to a total of 10 tablets. This is taken for 3 days.

How to take Selexid

When taking Selexid, take it with half a glass of liquid (preferably after a meal). It should be taken while sitting or standing, so the tablet can reach the stomach and get absorbed. Your clinician will tell you how much Selexid to take, but for uncomplicated UTIs it’s typically 10 tablets. 2 tablets should be taken immediately, followed by 1 tablet every 8 hours. If you have a recurrent infection you’ll have to take 2 tablets at least three to four times a day.

How long does Selexid take to work?

Antibiotics work almost immediately after they’re taken. For Selexid, peak serum levels (when the amount of medicine in your blood is at its highest) are reached after 1 hour of taking it. This is when the antibiotic will start to fight off the infection.

When taking antibiotics it's important to finish the full treatment course, even if you feel better. If you don’t, the infection can return.

What happens if I make a mistake when taking Selexid?

If you forget to take a dose of Selexid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for the next dose then skip it. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you accidentally take more than you should, you might feel sick and get an upset stomach. In this case, go to your doctor or local casualty department.