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Penicillin v Potassium Coupon - Penicillin v Potassium 500mg tablet

penicillin V potassium

Generic Veetids
Used for Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia, Meningitis
Used for Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia, Meningitis

Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
Last reviewed on March 18, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?

What is Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) used for?

How Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) works

Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making an additional covering around themselves for protection.

Are you looking for information on penicillin G potassium (Pfizerpen) or penicillamine (Cuprimine) instead?
When does Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVeetids (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassPenicillin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) essentials

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$25.87(save 65.75%)
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$8.86
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What are the side effects of Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic and skin reactions: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Infectious diarrhea: fast heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day)
When do Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Diarrhea
Serious allergic reaction
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Less common

Fast or irregular breathing

fever

joint pain

lightheadedness or fainting (sudden)

puffiness or swelling around the face

red, scaly skin

shortness of breath

skin rash, hives, itching

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe)

abdominal tenderness

convulsions (seizures)

decreased amount of urine

diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody

mental depression

nausea and vomiting

pain at place of injection

sore throat and fever

unusual bleeding or bruising

yellow eyes or skin

Rare

For penicillin G procaine only

Agitation or combativeness

anxiety

confusion

fear of impending death

feeling, hearing, or seeing things that are not real

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea (mild)

headache

sore mouth or tongue

vaginal itching and discharge

white patches in the mouth and/or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat many different bacterial infections

Can use for adults and children

Can be taken with or without food

Available as a tablet and suspension

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin

Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections

Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)

pharmacist

  • Take penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you're feeling better. Stopping the medication earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.

    • Swallow the penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) oral tablets whole. If you're having trouble swallowing them, ask your prescriber about switching you to the suspension (liquid).

      • You can take penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) with or without food. But nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common with antibiotics, so taking it with food can help lessen or prevent these side effects.

        • Don't drink alcohol while taking penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) because it could raise your risk for stomach side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Drinking alcohol can also make it harder for you to recover from your infection since alcohol can weaken your immune system.

          • Get medical attention as soon as possible if you have a rash, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face or mouth. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

            • Ask your healthcare professional (HCP) whether it's safe and appropriate for you to take a probiotic to help lessen the risk of a rare, but more serious form of diarrhea caused by a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacterial infection. If your HCP says you can, make sure to separate the probiotic from penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) by at least 2 hours to prevent the antibiotic from killing the "good" bacteria in the probiotic.

              • Get medical help as soon as possible if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). These could be signs of C. difficile-related diarrhea, which needs to be treated right away.

                • Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is generally safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. But to be safe, it's always best to let your primary care provider know that you're pregnant or breastfeeding before starting penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) so they can go over the risks and benefits of the medication with you.

                  More tips for penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) oral suspension:

                  • Make sure you know which strength of the penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) oral suspension you have to avoid giving the wrong dose. The suspension comes as 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL.

                    • Shake the bottle well before measuring out the dose. Make sure to only use an oral dosing syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

                      • Store the penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) suspension in the refrigerator. After 14 days, throw away the bottle, even if there's still some medication left. Your pharmacist typically writes this date on the bottle to help remind you when to throw it away.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)

                        Can you take too much penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?
                        Yes, taking too much penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) can be dangerous and raises your risk for serious side effects, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea. Make sure to take penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional (HCP). Ask your HCP or pharmacist if you're not sure what your penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) dose is.
                        Is penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) over the counter?
                        No, penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic that's available by prescription only.
                        Can I take ibuprofen or acetaminophen with penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?
                        Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) don't have any direct interactions with penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). But ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) might not be safe options for people with certain medical conditions, including heart risks, kidney problems, or liver problems. Before taking either of these medications with penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK), check with your HCP to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
                        How long does penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) stay in your system?
                        It takes less than 1 day for most of penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) to leave your body after a single dose. This time-frame is estimated based on the half-life of penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). In order for this medication to work well to treat your infection, you must take it as directed by your HCP.
                        Can penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) make you tired?
                        Tiredness isn't a commonly reported side effect of penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). Keep in mind that it's normal for your body to feel a little tired while it's fighting off an infection. Let your HCP know if you experience weakness or fatigue that don't get better after starting penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK), since that might be a sign that you need more medical attention.
                        Can you take penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) on an empty stomach?
                        Yes, you can take penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) on an empty stomach. But because penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) can cause stomach upset (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), taking it with food can help ease these side effects.
                        What should I not take with penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?
                        Don't use other antibiotics with penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) unless your HCP prescribed them to you and instructed you to take them together. Additionally, you shouldn't drink alcohol because it can worsen side effects from penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) as well as make it more difficult to recover from your infection.
                        Can penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) treat STDs?
                        Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) oral tablet or solution isn't approved to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs). But the injectable form of penicillin, Bicillin L-A (pencillin G benzathine long-acting injection), is a first-choice medication for syphilis. Viral STDs can't be treated with antibiotics.
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?

                        Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                        risk-warning

                        Allergic reaction

                        • Risk factors: History of allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics

                          Severe allergic reactions to penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Let your healthcare professional (HCP) know if you have an allergy to antibiotics. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after taking penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK), get medical help right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Infectious diarrhea

                          Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics, including penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). But rarely, people have reported infectious diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. This happens because antibiotics change the balance of gut bacteria in your stomach and intestines. Sometimes, the "bad" bacteria takes over and causes serious infections. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of infectious diarrhea, including fast heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, bloody stools, and stomach cramps.

                          risk-warning

                          Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                          Your HCP will make sure that you're taking penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) for the appropriate infection and amount of time. Using penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) for any shorter or longer periods of time or taking the antibiotic for other illnesses can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This raises your risk for severe and life-threatening infections that might be difficult to treat.

                          dosage

                          Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 28 tablets of 500mg of Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is $10.35 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 59.99% off the average retail price of $25.87.
                          bottle of oral solution
                          Bottle of oral solution
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          100ml of 125mg/5ml1 bottle$8.86$8.86
                          200ml of 125mg/5ml1 bottle$13.22$13.22
                          100ml of 250mg/5ml1 bottle$12.56$12.56
                          200ml of 250mg/5ml1 bottle$15.12$15.12
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          250mg60 tablets$13.19$0.22
                          500mg28 tablets$10.35$0.37
                          See more Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) dosage
                          interactions

                          Interactions between Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) and other drugs

                          Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                          Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          See more Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) interactions
                          drug-cost

                          How much does Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) cost?

                          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                          Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) (generic)
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                          contraindications-icon

                          Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                          images

                          Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) images

                          White Oval 1174 And 9 3 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "9 3" And "1174".White Oval 1174 And 9 3 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          White Oblong W 112 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "W 112".White Oblong W 112 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          White Oblong Pvk 500 And Gg 950 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Gg 950" And "Pvk 500".White Oblong Pvk 500 And Gg 950 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          White Oblong E And 8 5 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E" And "8 5".White Oblong E And 8 5 - Penicillin VK 500mg Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Bhattacharya, S. (2010). The facts about penicillin allergy: A review. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research.

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About pneumococcal disease.

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About rheumatic fever.

                          View All References (9)

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Outpatient clinical care for adults.

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Group A strep infection.

                          Dean, S. L., et al. (2017). Treatment of Sydenham's chorea: A review of the current evidence. Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements.

                          Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Penicillin V. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                          Malek, R., et al. (2017). Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry.

                          Pandey, N., et al. (2023). Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                          Stevens, D. L., et al. (2014). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by IDSA. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 

                          Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2023). Penicillin V potassium tablet; penicillin V potassium powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Yip, D. W., et al. (2024). Penicillin. StatPearls.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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