Check dosage for medication

[MrsT84]

I have been diagnosed with a bad case of tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics. I am sure the doctor told me 2 tablets 4x daily, but on the printed sticker on the medication, it says 4 tablets 2x daily. Is there any way I can check this? The information in the box only says 2 tablets every 6 hours to fight infection...

Yes, try a pharmacist, hopefully you should have a late night one in your area, if not call 111, they should be able to access your medical records

You can try your nhs app, it might say under ‘consultations’ notes - updated by your GP.

I've had a look on NHS app but I don't have full access as I don't have photo ID.

Which antibiotic is it?
The pharmacy may have not had the correct strength and provided a lower strength instead.
You could post a photo of the box label without patient details and showing the contents of the box.
(I'm a pharmacy technician)

Have a look at the BNF online it tells you the usual doses for medication.

Is it Pencillin / Penicillin V / phenoxymethylpenicillin that you have been given? If so it is usually 2 tablets four times a day.

Every 6 hours is the same as four times a day.
I would phone a pharmacist to clarify though. There might be a late night one nearby, or 111 can help.

This is what I have been given x

phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg is what's in the bag...

And the label definitely says 4 tablets twice a day? If so, that’s wrong. It’s 500mg four times a day for treating infections.

You could try 111?

I’ve had these a few times before and it’s always been 2 tablets four times a day. Obviously I can’t say for sure that’s how they want you to take them, if the label says otherwise but it sounds wrong to only take them twice a day.

NICE guidelines state either 500mg four times a day OR 1g twice a day for 5 to 10 days.

Definitely says 4 tablets 2x daily. I think I will take 2 tonight and in the morning, and when I can tomorrow I will pop back to the pharmacy and check where the mistake has been made.

Does that mean it could be right then? Im sure the doctor said 4x a day...

Just check the online BNF. This is where the dosage is written down for each medicine.

That's the guidelines for acute sore throat. It will depend why @MrsT84 has been given them.

I would say its correct (although I don't often see it prescribed that way). Its the same daily dosage either way, just divided into 2 doses instead of 4.

A higher dose means you will be getting more antibiotic initially so it should target the infection sooner.
If in doubt though, confirm with your pharmacy as they will have seen the prescription.

Its for tonsillitis- main symptom is awful sore throat, radiating into ears, as well as swollen nodes. I guess it might be the right dose but I think I will do regular dose for tonight and the morning and then check it out with the pharmacy tomorrow.

Thanks for all the support!

Both NICE and the BNF treat acute sore throat and tonsillitis the same way.

Anyway, I've checked the antibiotics guidelines for the hospital trust which I work for and it states 500mg four times a day for 5 days but can be increased to 10 days depending on severity.