GENERIC NAME: PENICILLINS - ORAL
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a penicillin-related antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication should be taken on an empty stomach. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before using. 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. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: tetracycline. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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.
- Infectious Mononucleosis - Read about mono treatment, symptoms, signs, risks and diagnosis. "The kissing disease" is a contagious sickness caused by the Epstein Barr virus transmitted in saliva.
- MRSA - Learn MRSA infection causes (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus superbug), symptoms, signs, treatment facts and transmission by MRSA carrier.
- Cellulitis - Get information on cellulitis (noncontagious spreading bacterial skin infection) causes, symptoms (pain, redness, swelling), risk factors (obesity), diagnosis and treatment. Learn what cellulitis looks like.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows