Selexid

Selexid is prescribed for bacterial infections.

Can I get Selexid online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Selexid for urinary tract infections. Please complete a consultation form to get started.

What is Selexid?

Selexid is a penicillin-type of antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract and bladder, and infections caused by the bacterium Salmonella. It is a tablet containing the active ingredient pivmecillinam hydrochloride.

Selexid kills the bacteria by interfering with the production of bacterial cell walls. Thus, bacteria are prevented from growing and the infection clears up. The way Selexid acts on bacteria is different from other penicillins and antibiotics called cephalosporins, and so it may be used together with these other antibiotics to increase the overall bacteria-killing effect.

How to use Selexid

Selexid tablets must be taken as instructed by your doctor. In cases of urinary tract infections, adults and children with a body weight of over 40 kg usually take two tablets, followed by one tablet every 8 hours until 10 tablets have been taken. If these infections return, then two tablets are taken 3–4 times daily. For Salmonella infections and for children with a body weight of under 40 kg, the dose and dosing frequency of the medicine varies between people and so will be prescribed for you individually.

Selexid tablets must be swallowed with more than half a glass of water straight after a meal to prevent mouth and gullet ulcers. Each dose must be taken at intervals that are equal in time, and the entire course of tablets must be taken or the infection might come back. Advise your doctor if you take too many tablets; the medicine may give you sickness and a stomach upset. Never take two doses if you forget one; just take the dose when you remember or wait for the next dose.

Who can use Selexid?

Selexid can be used by adults and children. However, do not take Selexid if you have a pivmecillinam or other antibiotic allergy, or are hypersensitive to any other components of the tablet. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Selexid is not a recommended treatment for people with problems with their gullet or with conditions resulting in a lack of carnitine. Inform the doctor if you have porphyria.

Your doctor should be told about all the medicines (prescription or otherwise) that you take, particularly valproic acid or valproate, methotrexate, probenecid, or other antibiotics. Importantly, you should report any recent or long term use of Selexid, or if you experience diarrhoea, fever, or stomach pain after taking Selexid. The doctor may request regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.

Selexid side effects

Selexid most often causes nausea, diarrhoea, and vaginal infection. It may also cause vomiting, stomach ache, indigestion, bloody diarrhoea, ulcers in the mouth or gullet, inflammation of the gullet, bruising, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and skin rash, hives and itching. Changes in blood and liver function parameters may occur. Urgent medical attention is necessary in cases of allergy (as indicated by breathing problems, skin rash, or face/throat swelling) or severe diarrhoea (from inflamed bowels).

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Haslam MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC SDI, LoC IUT, MRCGP
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 30 October 2024
Next review: 29 October 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Information Leaflet

Source and further information

Download Selexid Patient Information Leaflet