We’re here to help.
Our friendly team is available to help Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.
If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
Our friendly team is available to help Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.
If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
Fast, discreet delivery
Free delivery over £40
100% UK-based pharmacy
All doctors & pharmacists UK-based
Free advice & support
Clinical support free · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Why Patients Choose Access Doctor
10+
Years serving UK patients
—
Verified patient reviews
1,000+
Licensed treatments
24/7
Consultation available
The UK first-choice antibiotic for a bacterial sore throat, strep throat or tonsillitis, prescribed after an online consultation with a UK prescriber. No GP appointment needed.
Not sure if you need an antibiotic? Most sore throats are viral and get better within a week. A UK prescriber will check your symptoms before anything is dispensed, and you only pay if it is prescribed. For pain relief in the meantime, Difflam sore throat spray can help. Call 999 if you have difficulty breathing or can’t swallow your saliva.
Order before 3pm — same-day dispatch (MON - FRI)
~5 min consultation
Secure & confidential · Reviewed by a UK prescriber
Suitable age
18 years +
Max per order
1 course
Consultation
Yes, online (included in the price)
Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also called penicillin V, is a penicillin antibiotic licensed in the UK for bacterial throat infections, including strep throat and tonsillitis. It kills the streptococcal bacteria that cause most bacterial sore throats, so the pain, fever and swollen glands can settle.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better within a week, and antibiotics don’t help with them. NICE recommends an antibiotic only when a bacterial infection is likely, for example with fever, pus on the tonsils, swollen tender glands and no cough. When one is needed, phenoxymethylpenicillin is the first choice. If you’re allergic to penicillin, clarithromycin is used instead. Our guide to the best antibiotic for a throat infection explains why penicillin V is preferred over amoxicillin.
If it’s right for you, a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber issues the prescription and our UK pharmacy dispenses it in plain packaging. If it isn’t, they’ll explain why and tell you where to get the right care.
| Active ingredient | Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) 250 mg tablets |
| Type | Penicillin antibiotic |
| Used for | Bacterial sore throat, strep throat and tonsillitis (licensed use) |
| Typical dose | 500mg (2 tablets) four times a day, on an empty stomach 5 days, 40 tablets |
| Prescription | POM — reviewed by a UK prescriber |
| How supplied | After free online consultation |
| Delivery | Approved before 3pm, Mon–Fri: dispatched same day by Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery by 1pm |
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within a week. Paracetamol or ibuprofen, fluids and rest are usually all you need, and an anti-inflammatory spray such as Difflam can ease the pain of swallowing.
Prescribers use a short symptom score (FeverPAIN) to judge how likely a bacterial infection is. An antibiotic is more likely to help if you have:
had a fever in the last 24 hours;
pus or white patches on your tonsils;
come to see someone within 3 days of the sore throat starting;
very inflamed tonsils;
no cough or runny nose.
Our guides to sore throat vs strep throat and tonsillitis go into the detail.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is not suitable if you:
are allergic to penicillin. Clarithromycin is used instead;
have had a reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic. Tell the prescriber;
have a rare inherited intolerance to some sugars (galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption), because the tablets contain lactose.
Get urgent help: - Call 999 if you have difficulty breathing, make a high-pitched sound when breathing, or can’t swallow your saliva. - Contact NHS 111 or a GP the same day for severe pain on one side of the throat with difficulty opening your mouth, a very high temperature, or a weakened immune system.
Yes, when an antibiotic is needed. It’s the first-choice antibiotic in UK guidance for a bacterial sore throat, strep throat or tonsillitis. Most sore throats are viral, though, and antibiotics don’t help viral infections, so a prescriber first checks whether a bacterial infection is likely.
The usual adult dose is 500mg four times a day. With 250mg tablets that’s 2 tablets four times a day. We supply a 5-day course (40 tablets), within the 5 to 10 days NICE recommends. Always follow the dose on your label.
Many people start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. Finish the full course even if you feel better sooner. If you’re no better after 3 to 4 days, or get worse at any point, speak to a GP.
No. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after, because food reduces how much is absorbed. Our guide on taking phenoxymethylpenicillin with food explains how to time four doses around meals.
Yes. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can both be taken alongside phenoxymethylpenicillin to ease pain and fever. Follow the dose on each pack.
No. Both are penicillin antibiotics, but phenoxymethylpenicillin targets the bacteria that cause sore throats more narrowly. That’s why UK guidance prefers it. Amoxicillin can also cause a rash if the sore throat is actually glandular fever.
Don’t take it if you’re allergic to penicillin. Clarithromycin is the usual alternative. Tell the prescriber if you’ve reacted to a cephalosporin antibiotic, have kidney problems, take methotrexate or warfarin, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our service is for adults aged 18 and over.
Tiredness isn’t a recognised side effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin. Feeling tired is common with the infection itself, and usually improves as you recover. If you feel very unwell, or worse after starting the course, speak to a GP.
Alcohol doesn’t stop it working, so a small amount is usually fine. You’re likely to recover faster if you rest, drink plenty of water and keep alcohol low until you feel better.
Yes, after a consultation. It’s a prescription-only medicine, so it can’t be bought over the counter. A GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber checks that a bacterial infection is likely and that it’s safe for you, and our UK pharmacy then dispenses it.
Helpful articles and clinical guides related to this treatment category.
Free consultation
Online review by a UK prescriber
Next-day delivery
Order before 3pm where offered
Discreet packaging
Plain outer packaging
