Penicillin VK
(penicillin)
Treats bacterial infections.
Our bottom line
Penicillin VK (penicillin) is good at treating strep throat and is cheap, however, it can only be used for certain infections as many bacteria have developed resistance to it.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (penicillin)
Upsides
- Compared to alternatives, Penicillin VK (penicillin) is the preferred choice for treating strep throat infections.
- This medicine is available as a generic, which is cheap.
- It’s also available in different forms: pill and liquid.
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What to expect from penicillin, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
1297Downsides
- Many bacteria are resistant to Penicillin VK (penicillin), so it only works for certain infection typically in ear, nose, and throat.
- Penicillin VK (penicillin) has a bitter taste. Children might not like the taste.
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What to expect from penicillin, on one page
Download Fact SheetPenicillin VK (penicillin) is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (penicillin)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$5.72Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Rite AidGet free coupon$10.45
- CostcoGet free coupon$11.05
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$11.30
What to expect when you take Penicillin VK (penicillin) for Bacterial infection
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Superinfection
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction
Side effect rates for Penicillin VK (penicillin)
Risks and Warnings for Penicillin VK (penicillin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking Penicillin VK (penicillin) for a long time
As with all antibiotics, Penicillin VK (penicillin) can cause diarrhea; however, it usually goes away after you finish the medicine. Take probiotics or yogurt to help lower the chance of this happening. Rarely, Penicillin VK (penicillin) can cause a severe diarrhea. If you have loose or bloody stools, or bad stomach pain weeks after you finish Penicillin VK (penicillin), talk with your doctor right away.