penicillin V potassium (Beepen-VK, Penicillin VK, V-Cillin-K)

What is penicillin v potassium-oral solids, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Penicillin V potassium is penicillin antibiotic that is administered orally. Penicillin V potassium kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Some bacterial species against which penicillin V potassium has shown high in-vitro activity include some species of staphylococci, streptococci (groups A, C, G, H, L, and M), and pneumococci. Other bacterial species against which this medication has activity includes Corynebacterium diphtheria, Bacillus anthracis, Clostridia, Actinomyces bovis, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Listeria monocytogenes, Leptospira, Neisseria gonorrhea, and Treponema pallidum.

Penicillin V potassium offers some distinct advantages over penicillin G. Penicillin V potassium is much more resistant to inactivation by stomach acidity, and therefore results in better drug absorption and higher levels in the blood. On average, blood levels of penicillin V potassium is two to five times higher than that observed with same dose of oral penicillin G.

Penicillin V potassium was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1956.

What brand names are available for penicillin v potassium-oral solids?

Beepen-VK, Penicillin VK, V-Cillin-K

Is penicillin v potassium-oral solids available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for penicillin v potassium-oral solids?

Yes

What are the side effects of penicillin v potassium-oral solids?

The most common side effects to oral penicillin are:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea, and
• oral fungal infections.

Rare (occurring at frequency of <1%) but serious side effects include:

• acute kidney damage,
• seizures,
• severe skin rashes, and
• hemolytic anemia.

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with penicillin use.

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.