Penicillin V Potassium

What is PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

(PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM) Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats and prevents only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as the common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How should I use PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, penicillin is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

Before taking penicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics including penicillin-type medications (such as amoxicillin, ampicillin) or cephalosporins (such as cephalexin, cefuroxime); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems. Penicillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using penicillin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: methotrexate, khat, guar gum. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as certain diabetic urine tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What if I miss a dose of PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Although this effect is uncommon, you may develop a black, "hairy" tongue while taking this medication. This effect is harmless and usually goes away after treatment. Maintain good oral hygiene, and brush your tongue with a soft toothbrush twice a day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness, joint/muscle pain, easy bruising/bleeding. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), new fever, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.