Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for IWK Health Centre

Penicillin VK (oral)

C. diff Risk

Low

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

$0.50/day

Spectrum of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Pediatric

General Pediatric

Renal

Renal

Use with caution; excretion is prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Consult with a pharmacist for dosing in renal impairment.

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

  • Streptococcal infections and therapy of documented susceptible infection not requiring parenteral therapy (i.e. upper respiratory tract)

  • Prophylaxis for asplenia

  • Rheumatic fever

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Monitor for allergy

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  • Allergy (anaphylaxis) and other rash

  • Cytopenias, Positive Coombs, Eosinophilia

  • Serum sickness

  • Acute interstitial nephritis

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Penicillin

Route of Elimination: Penicillin V and its metabolites are excreted in urine

Average serum half life: No pediatric data. Adults: 30 minutes; prolonged in patients with renal impairment