Brand Name(s): Pen VK, V-Cillin K, Veetids
Generic Name Penicillin V Potassium
What are penicillin V tablets?
PENICILLIN V (Pen-Vee® K, V-Cillin K®) is a penicillin antibiotic. Penicillin V kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, brain, heart, respiratory tract, sinuses, and ears. Generic penicillin V tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma
•eczema
•kidney disease
•stomach problems (especially colitis)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, imipenem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take penicillin V tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with a full glass of water; try to take while in a sitting or upright position. It is best to take penicillin V 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. If penicillin V upsets your stomach you can take it with food. If possible, "bedtime" doses should be taken at least 10 minutes before actually reclining. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with penicillin V?
•certain antibiotics given by injection
•female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
•probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking penicillin V?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•dark yellow or brown urine
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•fever or chills, sore throat
•headache
•less frequent passing of urine
•pain on swallowing
•red spots on the skin
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•seizures (convulsions)
•severe or watery diarrhea
•skin rash, itching
•swelling of face and neck
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•nausea, vomiting
•sore mouth
What should I watch for while taking penicillin V?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you are diabetic and taking large doses of penicillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use an extra method of birth control for at least one month.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/21/2005 |
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