Penicillin VK Tablet

GENERIC NAME: PENICILLIN (pen-i-SILL-in) V

COMMON USES: This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking tetracycline antibiotics. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants, birth control pills, or methotrexate. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. It may be better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin, ampicillin) or a cephalosporin antibiotic (such includes Ceclor, Keflex, Ceftin, Duricef). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing or tightness of chest, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. MILD DIARRHEA IS COMMON with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea or blood stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Use an additional form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include black, hairy tongue, irritation of the mouth or throat, mild diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody stools or urine, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, severe or persistent diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, bruising or bleeding, vaginal irritation or itching, or worsening of skin lesions. AN ALLERGIC REACION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medics may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are
taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.