Penicillin V (By mouth)

Introduction

Penicillin V (pen-i-SIL-in V)

Treats or prevents infections caused by certain types of bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

Truxcillin VK, Veetids

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Discard any unused portion of the oral liquid after 14 days.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®).
• Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using penicillin. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, or problems with absorbing food. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic (such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, or Keflex®).
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Coughing, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or wheezing.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, and body aches.
• Swelling of the joints and lymph glands.
• Watery or bloody diarrhea.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Black, hairy tongue.
• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088