Penicillin V Potassium

Why should Penicillin V Potassium not be prescribed?

You should not be using penicillin V if you have had an allergic reaction to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

Special warnings about Penicillin V Potassium

If any allergic reactions occur, stop taking penicillin V and contact your doctor immediately.

If new infections (called superinfections) occur, consult your doctor.

If you have ever had allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or hay fever, consult with your doctor before taking penicillin V.

Before taking penicillin V, tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.

For infections such as strep throat, it is important to take penicillin V for the entire amount of time your doctor has prescribed. Even if you feel better, you need to continue taking this medication. If you stop taking this medication before your treatment time is complete, your infection may recur.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Penicillin V Potassium

If penicillin V is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining penicillin V with the following:

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Oral contraceptives
Tetracyclines such as Achromycin V and Sumycin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of penicillin V in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Penicillin V should be used during pregnancy only if your doctor determines that the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Since penicillin V appears in breast milk, you should consult with your doctor if you plan to breastfeed your baby. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS OLD AND OVER

Continue taking penicillin V for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Failure to take a full course of therapy may prevent complete elimination of the infection. It is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, around the clock.