Penicillin
Brand: Penicillin VK (oral), Bicillin L-A (injection)
Boxed warning
Bicillin L-A and C-R only: not for intravenous use, because inadvertent IV injection has caused cardiorespiratory arrest and death; oral penicillin V carries no boxed warning.
- Caution
- True penicillin allergy can be life-threatening; cephalosporins share the beta-lactam ring and carry a small cross-reactivity risk.
- Storage
- Reconstituted penicillin V suspension: refrigerate and discard after 14 days; Bicillin L-A syringes are refrigerated.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Allergic reaction
Key interactions
- Probenecid raises its level
Counseling points
- Take on an empty stomach for best absorption
- Report rash, hives, or trouble breathing at once
- Complete the full course even once you feel better
We ask 13 questions about Penicillin.Practice Penicillin →Test yourself on medications like Penicillin.Practice Medications →
High-yield study aid for exam prep, not a substitute for the package insert or a pharmacist’s dispensing reference.