Penicillin (PDF)

Penicillin (Ampicillin/Amoxicillin)

What is it?

This medication is used to treat bacterial infections.

Inform your provider if:

* You have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin.
* If you have mono, kidney disease, or stomach disease (like colitis).

Use:

* Take this medication orally (by mouth).
* Take this medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
* Continue to take this medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better.
* Do not miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not double dose.
* Call the office if your symptoms do not improve or if you get worse.
* Diabetics: Penicillin may cause false test results with some urine sugar tests. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or dosage of your diabetes medicine.

Side effects:

* Sore mouth or tongue
* Diarrhea (mild)
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Call the office immediately if you experience:

* Hives
* Itching
* Severe stomach pain
* Blood in the urine
* Decreased amount of urine
* Sore throat
* Watery, bloody, or severe diarrhea
* Wheezing or trouble bleeding
* Skin rash
* Bloating
* Seizures
* Fever
* Joint pain
* Bruises or unusual bleeding
* Yeast infection

Things to remember with any medication:

* Keep medications away from children.
* Store medications in a cool, dark, dry environment.
* Throw away medicine that is outdated.
* Take medicine as prescribed.

Written by the Women’s Group Practitioners Last Reviewed in November 2009
© Copyright 2009 The Women’s Group PC 1