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Penicillin V

  • Penicillin V (sometimes called phenoxymethylpenicillin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
  • The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea and rashes.
  • If you experience difficulty breathing after starting to take the medicine, stop at once and consult a doctor immediately.

About Penicillin V

Type of medicine Antibiotics
Used for Bacterial infections
Also called Phenoxymethylpenicillin; Apsin; Tenkicin
Available as Tablet and oral liquid

Penicillin V is also known as phenoxymethylpenicillin, you may see either name on the packaging of your medicine. (Phenoxymethylpenicillin is spoken as fenoxy-mee-thyle-penicillin)
Penicillin V is used to treat bacterial infections, such as infections of the chest and throat, by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Penicillin V can also be used to prevent infections occurring.

Before taking Penicillin V

Before taking penicillin V make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems
  • If you suffer from any blood disorder
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other type of penicillin antibiotic

How to take Penicillin V

  • Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level in your body.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
  • Take penicillin V an hour before food or on an empty stomach.
  • If you notice no improvement after completing your course of penicillin V make an appointment to see your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking penicillin V and unplanned pregnancies have occurred. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking penicillin V and for at least seven days after your course of penicillin V has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Penicillin V cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Stomach pains If they continue consult your doctor.
Rashes If this becomes a problem and stops you taking the medicine speak with your doctor.

Important: If you experience a itching, fever (high temperature), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat or face stop taking penicillin V and contact your doctor immediately.

How to store Penicillin V

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1444		 DocRef:
dils3136		 Last Updated:
30 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
29 Jan 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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