What is penicillin V?

Penicillin V is a prescription drug that comes as an oral tablet and an oral solution.

Penicillin V oral tablet is only available as a generic drug.

Why it's used

Penicillin V oral tablet is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It won't work to treat infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold. Bacterial infections this drug is used to treat include:

• streptococcal upper respiratory tract infections, scarlet fever, and erysipelas infections
• pneumococcal upper respiratory infections
• staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections
• fusospirochetosis (infection of the oropharynx or middle part of the throat)
• prevention of rheumatic fever and chorea

This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

Penicillin V belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Penicillin V works by stopping the bacteria from multiplying. This kills off the bacteria that are causing your infection.

Penicillin V side effects

Penicillin V oral tablet doesn't cause drowsiness. However, it may cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of penicillin V can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach upset
• diarrhea
• black hairy tongue

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they're more severe or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
  • skin rash with or without blisters
  • flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, feeling ill, or joint pain
  • swelling of your throat, tongue, or mouth
• Diarrhea. Symptoms include:
  • bloody or watery diarrhea with or without stomach cramps and a fever
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