Penicillins

Recently Answered

• QWhat side effects does Augmentin cause?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Based on information from iGuard.org, a free medication monitoring service, 75% of patients experience side effects while taking Amoxicillin Sodium with Clavulanate Potassium (Augmentin). Some of the side effects reported by iGuard members include: Nausea/Vomiting, Abdominal Pain/Cramps, Diarrhea, and Thrush/Yeast Problems. Please follow up with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms that worsen or do not go away.
• QWhat is phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as penicillin V or penicillin V potassium, is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This medication belongs to the penicillin group of drugs, and is available by prescription only.
  
  
• QWhat should I know about phenoxymethylpenicillin before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking phenoxymethylpenicillin, you should know the following safety information:
  

  • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it or any other varieties of penicillin.
  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin can reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control. Tell your doctor if you are taking any type of birth control before beginning treatment with this medication.
  • Call your doctor without delay if you experience diarrhea during your treatment, as it might be a sign of a new infection.
  • Talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with this medication if you have allergies to any cephalosporins, asthma, blood clotting disorders or liver disease.
• QWhat are the side effects of phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Phenoxymethylpenicillin's most common side effects include: irritation of mouth and throat, black "hairy" tongue, nauseam and mild diarrhea. Contact your physician immediately if you experience serious side effects, including watery or bloody stool, flu-like symptoms, rash, seizures, confusion, depression, vaginal irritation and discharge or uncommon weakness,  Call 911 for emergency medical help if you develop symptoms of severe allergic reaction including swelling of the throat, lips or tongue; hives; or difficulty breathing.
  
  
• QWhat are the risks of using phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Use of phenoxymethylpenicillin can present some risks. Women relying on oral birth control to prevent pregnancy should discuss potential treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin with their doctors, as it may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and result in pregnancy. Additionally, antibiotics have been known to cause diarrhea in some cases. If you experience diarrhea while taking this medication, contact your doctor, as it could be a sign of a new infection.
  
  
• QWho should take phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Phenoxymethylpenicillin may be recommended for people suffering from an infection caused by bacteria. Ear infections and strep throat are common examples of bacterial infections. Candidates for phenoxymethylpenicillin treatment should have no history of allergy to penicillin antibiotics.
  
  
• QWho should not take phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Do not take phenoxymethylpenicillin if you have had a previous allergic reaction to any type of penicillin antibiotic. Use this medication with caution if you are using oral contraception, as the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be compromised. Phenoxymethylpenicillin should not be used to treat a viral illness.
  
  
• QWhich medications or foods can interact with phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Medications that can interact with phenoxymethylpenicillin include: methotrexate, (marketed under brand names Rheumatrex or Trexall) and probenecid (sold under the brand name Benemid). Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking before starting treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin.
  
  
• QWhat are some of the brand names for phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Phenoxymethylpenicillin is the generic name for penicillin V. It also is known as penicillin V potassium. This medication also is sold under the brand names Pen-V and PC Pen VK.
  
  
• QWhat should I avoid while taking phenoxymethylpenicillin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you experience diarrhea while taking phenoxymethylpenicillin, avoid taking any medications to treat it until you have discussed the condition with your doctor. You also should avoid sharing your phenoxymethylpenicillin with anyone to whom it was not prescribed, even if the symptoms of their illness are similar to your own.