Penicillin V powder for oral solution

What is this medicine?

PENICILLIN V (pen i SILL in V) is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure every dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fever

• new symptoms of infection

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• sore mouth or tongue

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

• birth control pills

• methotrexate

• other antibiotics

• probenecid

• some vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed for you, store it in the refrigerator. Keep the bottle closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• bowel disease, like colitis

• eczema

• kidney disease

• phenylketonuria

• an unusual or allergic reaction to penicillin, cephalosporins, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, tartrazine or other dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not improve.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care provider.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.