COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dynapen, Omnipen, Principen, Prostaphlin, Totacillin, Unipen

USES: Penicillins are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication should be taken on an empty stomach. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before using.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS : This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor.

Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching.   Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any other illnesses or any allergies especially to penicillin or other antibiotics.

This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This medication may interfere with oral contraceptives. If you are using oral contraceptives, discuss with your doctor other birth control methods to use while you are taking this drug.  Tell your doctor if you are using tetracycline as your medicine may need to be changed.