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Why is it prescribed?

Novo-Pen-VK® tablets contains penicillin.

Penicillin is used to treat mild to moderately severe infections caused by susceptible types of bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis) and the middle ear.


Side Effects

Novo-Pen-VK® tablets contains penicillin.

Along with its needed effects, penicillin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, penicillin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
diarrhea
allergy (e.g. hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)
nausea
gas
Uncommon:
stomach upset
vomiting
appetite loss
inflammation of the tongue
Rare:
serum-like sickness (chills, fever, sore muscles)
pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of certain bacteria, causing diarrhea)
sore mouth and tongue
black hairy tongue

Precautions and Warnings for Novo-Pen-VK® tablets

Novo-Pen-VK® tablets contains penicillin

Allergic reactions can occur with penicillin use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, spasms in the throat and breathing tubes, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor) are a distinct group of antibiotics related to penicillins. People allergic to cephalosporins may also be allergic to penicillins.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the penicillin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking penicillin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with penicillin:
oral contraceptives (e.g. Triphasil®)
probenecid (e.g.Benemid®)
erythromycin (e.g. Erythromid®)
tetracycline
methotrexate
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
allergy to any penicillin (e.g. amoxicillin)
Caution is recommended in the following situations:
allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor)
kidney impairment
Use in pregnancy: Penicillin has been used in pregnant women without evidence of risk to the unborn baby. However, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Penicillin does appear in breast-milk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Novo-Pen-VK® can be taken with food but, for better absorption, it is best if taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
> Take Novo-Pen-VK® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 6 hours translates to 4 times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Novo-Pen-VK® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat diarrhea without being instructed to do so.

Directions for Use

Dosage is individualized depending on the type and severity of the infection and patient age and kidney function. The usual dose for adults and children more than 12 years of age is 300 mg (500 000 units) every 6 to 8 hours. doses.


Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

bronchitis
middle ear infections
respiratory tract infections
sinusitis
tonsilitis

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.

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