Beepen-VK
Generic name:penicillin V potassium
Dosage form: tablets, oral solution
Drug class:Natural penicillins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2021.
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The Beepen-VK brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Beepen-VK Description
Beepen-VK (penicillin V potassium) is the potassium salt of penicillin V. Chemically it is 4-Thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(phenoxy-acetyl)aminol-, monopotassium salt, [2S-(2α,5α,6β)]-, and can be represented structurally as:
The oral solutions contain in each 5 mL (teaspoonful) 125 mg or 250 mg of penicillin V activity, respectively. The tablets contain penicillin V potassium equivalent to 250 mg or 500 mg (400,000 or 800,000 units) penicillin V, respectively. The oral solution, 125 mg/5 mL, contains 0.33 mEq of sodium, and the oral solution, 250 mg/5 mL, contains 0.63 mEq of sodium.
Inactive ingredients: Oral solutions: Citric acid, flavorings, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sucrose and xanthan. 125 mg contains FD&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Red No. 40. 250 mg contains FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Red No. 3. Tablets: Colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and stearic acid.
Beepen-VK - Clinical Pharmacology
Penicillin V has the distinct advantage over penicillin G in resistance to inactivation by gastric acid. It may be given with meals; however, blood levels are slightly higher when the drug is given on an empty stomach. Average blood levels are 2 to 5 times higher than the levels following the same dose of oral penicillin G and also show much less individual variation. Once absorbed, penicillin V is about 80% bound to serum protein. Tissue levels are highest in the kidney, with lesser amounts in the liver, skin and intestines. Small amounts are found in all other body tissues and the cerebrospinal fluid. The drug is excreted as rapidly as it is absorbed in individuals with normal renal function; however, recovery of the drug from the urine indicates that only about 24% of the dose is absorbed. In neonates, young infants and individuals with impaired renal function, excretion is considerably delayed.
