Uses
Penicillin V is an antibiotic used to treat a large variety infections including skin and respiratory infections. It is a beta lactam antibiotic and works by binding to PBP’s(Penicillin Binding Proteins) within the bacteria making them unable to build their cell wall.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
It is important to finish the entire course of this medication. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better unless directed by a doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Inform your doctor if your symptoms are not improving after a few days.
This medicine can result in a false positive sugar urine test.
This medicine can decrease the effectiveness of birth control, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should use more than one form of birth control.
Notify your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days. Do not self treat yourself for diarrhea.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Asthma, history of allergic reactions to antibiotics, kidney disease, eczema, intestinal conditions such as colitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, fever, infection symptoms, excessive fatigue, any red, blistering or peeling skin, severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.
Other Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, sore mouth or tongue, upset stomach.
Adult Dose
Pharyngitis
500 mg by mouth every 8-12 hours
OR
250 mg by mouth every 6 hours for 10 days.
Mild-Moderate Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Otitis Media
S. Pneumoniae Infection
250-500 mg by mouth every 6 hours until afebrile for 2 days.
Other Streptococcus Species
125-250 mg by mouth every 6-8 hours for 10 days.
Skin Infections
Streptococcal Infections: 125-250 mg by mouth every 6-8 hours for 10 days.
Staphylococcal Infections: 250-500 mg by mouth every 6-8 hours.
Sources
1. penicillin V potassium oral tablet, powder for solution, penicillin V potassium oral tablet, powder for solution. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA (per DailyMed), Sellersville, PA, 2010.
2. Gerber MA, Baltimore RS, Eaton CB, et al. Prevention of rheumatic fever and diagnosis and treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease Committee of the council on Functional Genomics and Translational Biology, and the Interdisciplinary Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. Circulation 2009;119:1541-1551.
3. Shulman ST, Bisno AL, Clegg HW, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis: 2012 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2012;15:1279-1282.
4. Penicillin V potassium package insert. Sellersville, PA:Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2012 Apr.
