PENICILLIN

Penicillin V is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in the human body. It is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections and can also be used for other many purposes. Important information about penicillin Penicillin cannot be used by a patient that is allergic to penicillin V or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), or oxacillin (Bactocill). Before using penicillin V, a patient must tell the doctor if he is allergic to cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and others, or if he has asthma, kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics, or a history of any type of allergy. Penicillin V can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before taking this medicine, a patient must tell her doctor if she uses birth control pills. One must take penicillin V for the entire length of time prescribed by her doctor. Symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin V will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. This medication must not be given to another person, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. Before taking penicillin This medication must not be taken if a patient is allergic to penicillin V or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as:

amoxicillin (Amoxil, Amoxicot, Biomox, Dispermox, Trimox); ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); carbenicillin (Geocillin); dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen); or oxacillin (Bactocill).

New users of penicillin must be assessed by a doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and others), or if you have:

asthma; kidney disease; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or a history of any type of allergy.

FDA pregnancy category B. Penicillin V is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. A pregnant patient may tell her doctor if she is pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Penicillin V can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Penicillin V can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication cant be used without a patient telling her doctor if she is breast-feeding a baby.

Intake of Penicillin Penicillin V must be taken exactly as it was prescribed for a patient. It cannot be taken longer than recommended by the doctor. Prescription label must be followed. It may be taken with or without food. A patients blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. The oral suspension must be shaken well just before the patient measures a dose. A dosemeasuring device is better used than a regular table spoon. Penicillin V will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Penicillin V can cause a patient to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Store penicillin V tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store liquid penicillin V in a refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any liquid that has not been used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy. Missing a dose of penicillin Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Overdosing Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash, urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions). Penicillin side effects Get emergency medical help if a patient is having any of these signs of an allergic reaction to penicillin V: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; urinating less than usual or not at all; severe skin rash, itching, or peeling; agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or

seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious penicillin V side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; vaginal itching or discharge; headache; swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue; or thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat).

What other drugs will affect penicillin? Before taking penicillin V, patient must tell the doctor that he is using:

methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); or probenecid (Benemid).