Penicillin VK precautions

List of precautions
Allergies/asthma Development of drug-resistant bacteria Oral route of administration Streptococcal infections Prolonged use

Allergies/asthma
Penicillin should be used with caution in individuals with histories of significant allergies and/or asthma. Return to top

Development of drug-resistant bacteria
Prescribing penicillin-VK in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Return to top

Oral route of administration
The oral route of administration should not be relied upon in patients with severe illness, or with nausea, vomiting, gastric dilatation, cardiospasm, or intestinal hypermotility. Occasional patients will not absorb therapeutic amounts of orally administered penicillin. Return to top

Streptococcal infections
In streptococcal infections, therapy must be sufficient to eliminate the organism (10-day minimum); otherwise the sequelae of streptococcal disease may occur. Cultures should be taken following completion of treatment to determine whether streptococci have been eradicated. Return to top

Prolonged use
Prolonged use of antibiotics may promote the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Should superinfection occur, appropriate measures should be taken. Return to top