Phenoxymethylpenicillin Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Source data checked 12 May 2026, 17:17 UTC
⚠️ Our data shows national supply status from NHS England and DHSC. Your local pharmacy may still be temporarily out of stock due to delivery schedules or local demand. Always check with your pharmacist.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin is used for treating bacterial infections including tonsillitis and skin infections. There are currently 8 active shortages affecting this medication in the UK.

Current Shortage Status

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg tablets (PDF:272KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free (PDF:274KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution (PDF:274KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar free (PDF:275KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution (PDF:273KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution (PDF:143KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free (PDF:145KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar free (PDF:138KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Possible Alternatives

Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):

What to Do If You're Affected

Need Phenoxymethylpenicillin now?

Shortages mean pharmacies may be out of stock. Get it delivered:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenoxymethylpenicillin in shortage in the UK in 2026?

Yes — as of 13 May 2026, there are 8 active shortage notifications for Phenoxymethylpenicillin in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Phenoxymethylpenicillin used for?

Phenoxymethylpenicillin is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating bacterial infections including tonsillitis and skin infections. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Phenoxymethylpenicillin from my pharmacy?

First, ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active — this may allow them to dispense an alternative without a new prescription. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.

What are the alternatives to Phenoxymethylpenicillin?

Your GP may consider alternatives including amoxicillin, clarithromycin, erythromycin. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · NHS England
Page last updated: 13 May 2026. Data checked daily.