What is penicillin V? What are the uses for penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
- Penicillin V is effective for treatment of laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and soft tissue and skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
- It also is used for preventing recurrence of rheumatic fever and chorea (a disorder of uncontrolled movement of the body).
- Only mild to moderate infections are treated with oral penicillin V.
- Patients with more severe infections are given penicillin by injection.
Is penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin) available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
Yes
What are the side effects of penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
Common side effects of penicillin V include:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal pain,
- fever,
- black hairy tongue,
- eosinophilia,
-
rash,
and - itching.
Patients
with a history of allergic reactions to other penicillins should not receive
penicillin V. Persons who are allergic to the cephalosporin class of
antibiotics, which are related to the penicillins, for example,
cefaclor (Ceclor),
cephalexin (Keflex),
and cefprozil (Cefzil),
may or may not be allergic to penicillins.
Serious but rare reactions include:
- seizures,
- hemolytic anemia,
- super infection,
- reduced kidney function,
- severe
allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
and - low platelet or red blood cell count.
Penicillins can alter the normal
bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of some bacteria such as
Clostridium difficile which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting
penicillin (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly
shock) should contact
their doctor immediately.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer
What is the dosage for penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
The usual adult dose of penicillin V is 125 to 500 mg every 6-8
hours.
Which drugs or supplements interact with penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
:
-
Probenecid (Benemid)
causes an increase in the level of penicillin in the blood by reducing the
elimination of penicillin by the kidneys. In fact, sometimes probenecid is
combined with penicillin so that a smaller amount of penicillin results in
higher blood levels. - Penicillin may reduce the effectiveness of BCG live vaccine
(used for
prevention of
tuberculosis) or
live typhoid vaccine. Penicillin
therapy should be completed before giving live bacterial vaccines.
Is penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin) safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
:
- Penicillin is considered safe
during pregnancy. - Penicillin is excreted in
breast milk and may cause
diarrhea or
allergic responses in
nursing infants.
If penicillin is used while nursing, the potential benefit of penicillin for the
mother should be weighed against the potential risk of side effects in the
infant. Penicillin is used for treating infections in infants.
What else should I know about penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)?
What preparations of penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin) are available?
Tablets: 250 and 500 mg. Powder: 125 and 250 mg/5 mL.
How should I keep penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin) stored?
- Tablets should be stored between 15 C and 30 C (59 and 86 F).
- After
mixing with water, the solution should be kept refrigerated and can be used for
up to 14 days after it is reconstituted by the pharmacist. - It must be shaken
before each use and should be kept well-sealed.