GENERIC NAME: PENICILLIN V POTASSIUM - ORAL SOLIDS (pen-ih-SILL-in VEE poh-TASS-ee-um)
BRAND NAME(S): Beepen VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-Vee K, V-Cillin K, Veetids
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Penicillins are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken without regard to meals. However, absorption is best if medication is taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after meals). Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any: other illnesses, allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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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penicillin v potassium-oral solids, Beepen VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-Vee K, V-Cillin K, Veetids
Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) »
What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)?
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is related to the
bacterium that cause tetanus and botulism. The
C. difficile bacterium has two
forms, an active, infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for
prolonged periods, and a nonactive, "noninfectious" form, called a spore, that
can survive in the environment for prolonged periods. Although spores cannot
cause infection directly, when they are ingested they transform into the active,
infectious form.
C. difficile spores are found frequently in:
- hospitals,
- nursing homes,
- extended
care facilities, and
- nurseries for newborn infants.
They can be found on:
- bedpans,
- furniture,
- toilet seats,
- linens,
- telephones,
- stethoscopes,
- fingernails,...
Read the Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) article »
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