Penicillin V (Penicillin V Potassium)(pen i sill’ in)
Apo-Pen-VK (CAN), Nu-Pen-VK (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Antibiotic
Penicillin (acid stable)
Therapeutic Actions
Bactericidal: Inhibits cell wall synthesis of sensitive organisms, causing cell death.
Indications
Mild to moderately severe infections caused by sensitive organisms—streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, fusospirochetes
Unlabeled uses: Prophylactic treatment of children with sickle cell anemia, actinomycosis, Lyme disease, postexposure anthrax prophylaxis
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.
Use cautiously with renal disorders, pregnancy, lactation (may cause diarrhea or candidiasis in the infant).
Available Forms
Tablets—250, 300, 500 mg; powder for oral solution—125, 250, 300 mg/5 mL
Dosages
Adults and patients older than 12 yr
Fusospirochetal infections: 250–500 mg every 6–8 hr PO.
Streptococcal infections (including otitis media, URIs of mild to moderate severity, scarlet fever, erysipelas): 125–250 mg every 6–8 hr PO for 10 days.
Pneumococcal infections: 250–500 mg every 6 hr PO until afebrile for 48 hr.
Staphylococcal infections of skin and soft tissues: 250–500 mg every 6–8 hr PO.
Prevention of recurrence of rheumatic fever/chorea: 125–250 mg PO bid.
Lyme disease: 500 mg PO qid for 10–20 days.
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