
GENERIC NAME: penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)
BRAND NAMES: Pen-Vee-K; Veetids
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: In 1928, Alexander Fleming
noted that
mold belonging to the genus Penicillium, inhibited the
growth of
bacteria. Fleming called this unknown antibacterial substance
penicillin.
Ten years later, a group at Oxford University began to
investigate the
material in laboratory mice. Penicillin was hailed as a miracle
drug and
saved countless lives in World War II. Today, many derivatives
of
penicillin have been developed which inhibit more types of
bacteria than
this original, life-saving drug. Penicillin itself is active
against
Streptococci (including Streptococcus pneumoniae),
Listeria, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, Clostridium, Peptococcus, and
Peptostreptococcus. Most
staphylococci now are resistant to penicillin.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS:: Tablets: 125mg; 250mg; 500mg. Oral
solution: 125
mg/5mL; 250 mg/5mL.
STORAGE: Tablets should be kept between 15°C (59
°F)
and 30°C (86°F). The solution should be kept
refrigerated, and
can be used for up to 14 days after it is reconstituted by the
pharmacist.
It must be shaken before each use and should be kept well
sealed.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Oral penicillin V is effective against
susceptible bacteria causing throat infections, laryngitis,
bronchitis,
and pneumonia. Only mild to moderate infections are treated
with oral
penicillin. Patients with more severe infections can be given
penicillin
by injection (intramuscular "shots" or intravenously).
Penicillin also is given to prevent infection on the valves of
the heart
in patients with certain diseases of the heart valves who are
having
dental work or undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic
procedures. (Dental
work and some endoscopic procedures can introduce bacteria into
the blood,
and these bacteria may infect the valves.)
DOSING: Penicillin V is ideally given 30 to 60 minutes
before
meals, but can be given with meals to persons who develop
nausea or
stomach pain with it. On the other hand, penicillin G (a type of
penicillin which is rarely used today) must be given on an
empty stomach.
Penicillin is most often given four times a day for 7 to 14
days. When
given to prevent infections in persons undergoing dental or
gastrointestinal procedures, penicillin is given as one dose
one hour
prior to the procedure, and one more dose is given 6 hours
later.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Probenecid (Benemid) causes an
increase in
the level of penicillin in the blood by reducing the
elimination of
penicillin by the kidneys. In fact, sometimes probenecid is
combined with
penicillin so that a smaller amount of penicillin results in
higher blood
levels.
PREGNANCY: Penicillin is considered safe during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Penicillin
is excreted in breast
milk. No side
effects have been reported in nursing infants whose mothers
have taken
penicillin. Concern for side effects such as allergic
reactions, of
course, exist. Thus, physicians must weigh the potential risk
versus the
benefit.
SIDE EFFECTS: Penicillin
generally is well tolerated. Between 1% and 10% of all people are allergic to
penicillin. Allergic reactions range from a mild rash to moderate-to-severe hives to severe
anaphylactic shock.
(In anaphylactic shock, the windpipe swells so that breathing
is difficult
and the blood pressure falls greatly. Anaphylactic shock is a
life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.)
Anaphylactic shock occurs in approximately 1 in 3,000 persons
who are
exposed to penicillin; death occurs in approximately 1 in
50,000 persons
who are exposed to penicillin. Persons who are allergic to other
penicillin products (such as ampicillin or amoxicillin) are
generally
considered to be allergic to penicillin as well. Persons who
are allergic
to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics (e.g., Ceclor,
Keflex, Cefzil)
may or may not be allergic to penicillins.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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