A shortage of one of the most common antibiotics in Australia has been reported by the country's top medicine regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Manufacturing issues mean there are not enough dosages of phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) oral liquid and suspension products.
Part of the penicillin antibiotic group, the drug is used to treat bacterial infections.
The liquid form of the drug is used most commonly for acute pharyngitis, tonsilitis, scarlet fever, acute rheumatic fever and dental infections.
The drug is also available in pill form, but for many with those conditions, swallowing a tablet is difficult.
The TGA has issued a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI), which allows it to change the rules around prescribing it.
That means pharmacists can issue a different but very similar medicine without the prior authorisation of the prescriber.
Doctors have been advised to consider prescribing the drug in pill form for most adults to reserve the liquid form for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing.
Pharmacists are also authorised to supply a solid dosage if the patient is able to take it in that form.
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The SSSI will remain in place until the end of September, but it can be lifted early or extended as the situation changes.
Patients who need the drug are advised to speak to their doctors or pharmacist if they have any questions.
"Please keep in mind that health professionals at the medical practices and pharmacies you visit want the best possible health outcomes for everyone, but they do not control the availability of phenoxymethylpenicillin," a statement from the TGA read.
"Please do not take any frustration or anger out on your pharmacist or doctor."
Phenoxymethylpenicillin was developed in 1948 as one of the first antibiotics and as a variation of previous pencillins.
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