Penicillin VK oral solution
What is penicillin VK oral solution:
PENICILLIN VK is a penicillin antibiotic. Penicillin VK kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, brain, heart, respiratory tract, sinuses, and ears. Generic Penicillin VK oral solution is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Penicillin VK:
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
asthma
eczema
kidney disease
phenylketonuria (some solutions of Penicillin VK contain aspartame, Nutrasweet, which produces phenylalanine in the stomach)
stomach problems (especially colitis)
an unusual or allergic reaction to penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, imipenem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take Penicillin VK:
Take Penicillin VK oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. It is best to take Penicillin VK 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective; try to take while in a sitting or upright position. If Penicillin VK upsets your stomach you can take it with food. If possible, "bedtime" doses should be taken at least 10 minutes before actually reclining. Do not take Penicillin VK more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with Penicillin VK:
certain antibiotics given by injection
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking Penicillin VK:
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
dark yellow or brown urine
difficulty breathing, wheezing
fever or chills, sore throat
headache
less frequent passing of urine
red spots on the skin
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures (convulsions)
severe or watery diarrhea
skin rash, itching
swelling of face and neck
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
nausea, vomiting
sore mouth
What should I watch for while taking Penicillin VK:
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you are diabetic and taking large doses of penicillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking Penicillin VK. Use an extra method of birth control for at least one month.
Where can I keep Penicillin VK:
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
