What is Penicillin V Potassium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Penicillin V potassium is one version of penicillin, the oldest and most recognizable antibiotic. Doctors use it for a variety of bacterial infections, particularly strep and staph infections. People take this generic prescription drug by mouth as a tablet or oral solution.
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Penicillin V Potassium overview
BRAND NAMES:
No brand-name versions
Generic Names:
Penicillin V potassium
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic
Forms:
Tablet, oral solution (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Penicillin V Potassium used for?
Penicillin V potassium treats a variety of mild to moderately severe bacterial infections of the skin, upper respiratory tract, lungs, and soft tissues.
What form(s) does Penicillin V Potassium come in
Tablet
250 mg
500 mg
Oral solution
125 mg/5 mL
250 mg/5 mL
What are common Penicillin V Potassium doses?
For mild to moderately severe streptococcal infections: 125 to 250 mg every six to eight hours for 10 days
For mild to moderately severe pneumococcal infections of the respiratory tract or ears: 250 to 500 mg every six hours until the patient no longer has a fever for at least two days
For mild staphylococcal infections of the skin or soft tissues: 250 to 500 mg every six to eight hours
For mild to moderately severe trench mouth (fusospirochetosis): 250 to 500 mg every six to eight hours
Common Penicillin V Potassium prescriptions
Penicillin V Potassium
100ml of 125mg/5ml bottlePenicillin V Potassium
100ml of 250mg/5ml bottlePenicillin V Potassium
200ml of 125mg/5ml bottlePenicillin V Potassium
200ml of 250mg/5ml bottlePenicillin V Potassium
250mg tabletPenicillin V Potassium
500mg tablet
How to take Penicillin V Potassium
Take this medicine as directed.
Take all of the penicillin in your prescription to clear up the infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Take the tablet or oral solution on an empty stomach.
If the dose causes stomach problems, it’s okay to take it with food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Use an oral dosing syringe to measure doses of the oral solution. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.
Store the tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Store the oral solution in the refrigerator. Discard any medicine you have not used after 14 days.
What to do if you miss a dose of Penicillin V Potassium
Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Penicillin V Potassium contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of penicillin.
Penicillin V Potassium warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
The doctor may require follow-up visits to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Keep all appointments.
Before taking penicillin, inform the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Known allergies to penicillin
Known allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics
Multiple or significant allergies
Asthma
This medicine can cause severe diarrhea during or up to two months after treatment ends. Call the doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor.
Call the doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Use penicillin V potassium to only treat the bacterial infection it was prescribed for. Do not use it for viral or other infections.
Penicillin V Potassium interactions
Before taking penicillin V potassium, tell the prescribing clinician about all the prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications being used, particularly:
Methotrexate
Warfarin
Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work as well while you are using penicillin. Ask the prescriber if you need to use backup birth control.
If a colonoscopy or similar procedure is scheduled during penicillin treatment, tell the clinic or doctor about your penicillin treatment. Certain bowel prep laxatives may not work as well when people are taking antibiotics.
Penicillin V Potassium side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Hives, rash, fever, flushing, joint pain, swelling in your face, mouth, throat, or voice box, noisy breathing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, faintness
Less serious side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Black, hairy tongue
Stomach distress
Mild diarrhea
Sources:
Penicillin V potassium tablet/powder for solution prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Veetids drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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