Penicillin V potassium
Generic name: penicillin V potassium (oral) [ PEN-i-SIL-in-V-poe-TAS-ee-um ]
Dosage forms: oral powder for reconstitution (125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:Natural penicillins
What is penicillin V potassium?
Penicillin V potassium is a slow-onset antibiotic that is used to treat many types of mild to moderate infections caused by bacteria, including scarlet fever, pneumonia, skin infections, and infections affecting the nose, mouth, or throat. Penicillin V potassium is also used to prevent the symptoms of rheumatic fever.
Penicillin V potassium is also used to prevent infections of the heart valves in people with certain heart conditions who need to have dental work or surgery.
Penicillin V potassium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not be treated with penicillin V potassium if you are allergic to penicillin.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to penicillin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic (Keflex, Omnicef, and others);
any type of allergy;
asthma or breathing problems;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
heart disease; or
kidney disease.
If you have stomach problems or are sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea, your medication may not be as effective.
Penicillin V potassium oral liquid may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take penicillin V potassium?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take penicillin V potassium with or without food.
Shake the oral liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
When given before surgery or dental work, penicillin V potassium is usually taken 1 hour before and 6 hours after the procedure. Follow your doctor's dosi...
