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Generic Name: Penicillin VK
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Penicillin represents one of the most important drugs ever developed. Its
discovery in 1946 permanently changed medicine and set the stage for man's
ability to overcome what had previously been life-threatening infections.
Penicillin is effective in fighting infections in many places in the
body including the urinary tract, lungs, ears, throat, skin and genital tract.
Penicillin V potassium is prescribed generically or under a variety of
brand names including Beepen-VK, Betapen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K,
Robicillin VK, V-Cillin K and Veetids.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common side effects of penicillin
involve digestive tract upset.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be
troublesome for some people. A black hairy tongue, rash, sore mouth, and yeast
infections of the mouth, anus or vagina are other potential adverse reactions.
Less common but possibly more serious side effects include anemia and
blood disorders.
Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
Long-term treatment with penicillin-type antibiotics requires periodic
monitoring by a health professional.
Penicillin VK may interact with
aspirin and certain other arthritis medicines.
In addition, oral
contraceptives may be less effective in combination with this antibiotic.
Check with your pharmacist and physician before taking any other
medicine together with penicillin VK.
Special Precautions
Anyone who is allergic to penicillin-type antibiotics must generally avoid such drugs like the plague.
Symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, sneezing, hives, itching, and skin rash require immediate emergency treatment.
Life-threatening anaphylactic shock may produce an inability to breathe and cardiovascular collapse and can occur within minutes of exposure.
If you are allergic to penicillin and you ever have to go into the hospital, make sure a sign is placed over the bed alerting hospital personnel to penicillin allergy.
Taking the Medicine
Penicillin VK resists acid breakdown in the stomach so it may be taken with food if it upsets
your stomach.
However, for maximum absorption take this antibiotic on an empty stomach.
That usually means at least one hour before meals or two hours after eating.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
Will long term use of penicillin vk effect your memory,and your bones?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE ARE NOT AWARE OF SUCH EFFECTS.
Posted by: Paula Davis | August 19, 2008 5:27 PM