Do not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, Lorabid, Omnicef, Spectracef, and others.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you have:
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asthma;
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liver disease;
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kidney disease; or
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heart disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use penicillin G potassium, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Penicillin G potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Penicillin G potassium is given as an injection into a muscle or vein. It may also be injected into the membrane surrounding the lungs. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and other items used in giving the medicine.
Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Use each needle and syringe only one time. With your medicine you will receive a puncture-proof container for used needles and syringes. If you do not receive a container, ask your pharmacist for one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.
Store the dry powder medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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swelling, bruising, or irritation where the injection was given;
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headache with nausea, vomiting, and tiredness;
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a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
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chills, fever, swelling, joint or muscle pain, and confusion;
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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seizure (convulsions); or
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uneven heartbeats.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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twitching or muscle spasm; or
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mild skin rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, Lorabid, Omnicef, Spectracef, and others.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using penicillin G potassium unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
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a tetracycline antibiotic, such as demeclocycline (Declomycin, Ledermycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Vibramycin, Periostat), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline (Broadspec, Panmycin, Sumycin);
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a sulfa drug such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Cotrim, Gantanol, Septra, Sulfatrim), or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); or
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a macrolide antibiotic such as aztihromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, E-Mycin, troleandomycin (Tao).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use penicillin G potassium, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect penicillin G potassium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a penicillin G potassium overdose may include seizure (convulsions).