How should I take penicillin V?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
You may take penicillin V with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin V will not treat a
viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Do not give penicillin V to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you
do.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using penicillin V.
Store penicillin V tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Store liquid penicillin V in a refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away
any liquid penicillin that has not been used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash,
urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking penicillin V?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of penicillin V?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
urinating less than usual or not at all;
-
severe skin rash, itching, or peeling;
-
agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
-
seizure (black-out or convulsions).
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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