Penicillin VK

Penicillin VK (Penicillin V potassium) is an antibiotic in the penicillin group, for treating bacterial infection such as Streptococci, Staphylococci, Fusobacteria, and Spirochetes.  Penicillin has been recommended for prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in patients with rheumatic fever or congenital heart disease when undergo dental surgery.

Penicillin V potassium tablets are available in 250 mg., 500 mg
Penicillin V potassium for oral solution is available in:
125 mg/5 ml: bottles of 100 and 200 ml
250 mg/5 ml: bottle of 100 ml and 200 ml

Penicillin should be taken one hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.  The presence of food may reduce the absorption of penicillin.
Adult dose: Penicillin  VK 125mg - 500mg every 6-8 hours

Active ingredient in each tablet contains penicillin V potassium
equivalent to 250 mg (400,000 units) or 500 mg (800,000 units) penicillin V.  Each 250 mg penicillin V potassium contains 0.71 mEq (27.9) of potassium.
Each 500 mg of penicillin V potassium contains 1.43 mEq (55.8 mg) of potassium.

Inactive ingredients: Magnesium stearate, Calcium phosphate, Microcrystalline cellulose and sodium citrate.

Side effects of penicillin VK are:

1. Headache
2. Allergic reaction
3. Diarrhea
4. Sore mouth or white patch in the mouth
5. Vaginal discharge or itching
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Jaundice
8. Unusual bleeding or bruising
9. Fever
10. Irregular breathing
11. Shortness of breath
12. Abdominal pain
13. Seizure
14. Mental depression
15. Black hairy tongue
16. Rash and itching
17. Alter standard ratio of bacteria in the colon by encouraging the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile that causes the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon