uses
What is penicillin used for?Penicillin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for infections caused by certain bacteria.Penicillin may not be appropriate for some infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to penicillin, which will make it not work as well.Penicillin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does penicillin work (mechanism of action)?Penicillin kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall.How is penicillin supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesBicillin C-RBicillin L-APenicillin-VKPenVKPen-Vee KPfizerpenVeetidsDosage forms and strengths250 mg oral tablets500 mg oral tablets125 mg/5 mL powder for oral solution250 mg/5 mL powder for oral solutionPenicillin is also available in injectable forms.How should I store penicillin ?Oral Tablet. Penicillin tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the container tightly closed.Oral Liquid. Penicillin oral liquid will be mixed for you by the pharmacy. Once it has been mixed, it must be used within 14 days. The liquid should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). If it is not used within 14 days, it should be thrown away.
how to use
liquid or tablet that is swallowed, liquid that is injected into a blood vessel, muscle, or other areas
drug interactions
Does penicillin interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between penicillin and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect penicillin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.Does penicillin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking penicillin.A thiazide diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, or indapamide, which is a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressureFurosemide (Lasix), which is a type of diuretic (water pill)A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, and others, which is used for pain, swelling, and feverAspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverProbenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for goutA sulfa medicine, including sulfamethoxazole or sulfasalazine Any other antibiotic, which is a medicine used for bacterial infectionsThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with penicillin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of penicillin ?The most common side effects of penicillin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on how the medicine is given to you. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Diarrhea (see below)Nausea or vomitingStomach discomfortPain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site (for the injectable form)There may be other side effects of penicillin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of penicillin?While less common, the most serious side effects of penicillin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Penicillin can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDark colored urineYour skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Severe Skin Reactions. Penicillin can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop penicillin and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS, TEN, or AGEP.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offRed skin covered with fluid-filled bumps (pustules)Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesAntibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,â€Â can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including penicillin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.Watery diarrheaDiarrhea that does not go awayBlood in your stool (poop)Severe stomach crampsFever that starts after you start or finish the medicineBlood Disorders. Penicillin can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and bone marrow depression. Stop taking penicillin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.Fever that does not go awayShortness of breathPale or yellowish skinEasy bruising or bleedingFrequent infectionUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeat
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much penicillin?If you or someone else has used too much penicillin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of penicillin?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.It is important to complete your prescribed course of penicillin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to penicillin or other similar medicines.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use penicillin?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take penicillin.PenicillinAny other medicine known as a penicillin antibioticAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific penicillin products they stock.What should I know about penicillin before using it?Do not take penicillin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share penicillin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep penicillin out of the reach of children. Penicillin oral liquid should be kept in a refrigerator. Take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. When taking penicillin liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.Some forms of penicillin are given as an injection. These forms will be given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.If you are receiving penicillin as an injection into the muscle, the injection may contain a numbing medicine (anesthetic) called procaine. Procaine can increase your risk for a rare but serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to monitor for this side effect.If you are using penicillin for syphilis, you may have certain symptoms during the first 24 hours after the injection, including fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, flushing, and a fast heartbeat. These symptoms are caused by the infection responding to the penicillin. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect during your treatment.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using penicillin?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if penicillin is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Allergies to other antibioticsAllergies to numbing agents (anesthetics)Seasonal allergies or food allergiesAsthmaDiabetesA genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiencyHeart problemsHistory of antibiotic-associated diarrheaKidney problemsLung problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Penicillin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking penicillin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how penicillin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take penicillin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Penicillin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take penicillin while breastfeeding.
about
Penicillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Penicillin is available as a liquid, a tablet, and an injection. Before using penicillin, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma or any allergies.