What is Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Penicillin G potassium is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.
Penicillin G potassium is used to treat many different types of severe infections, including strep and staph infections, diphtheria, meningitis, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Penicillin G potassium is also used to prevent infections of the heart valves in people with certain heart conditions who need to have dental work or surgery.
Penicillin G potassium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, Lorabid, Omnicef, Spectracef, and others.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, Lorabid, Omnicef, Spectracef, and others.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you have:

• asthma
• liver disease
• kidney disease; or
• heart disease

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use penicillin G potassium.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Penicillin G potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pfizerpen Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, bruising, or irritation where the injection was given
• headache with nausea, vomiting, and tiredness
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• chills, fever, swelling, joint or muscle pain, and confusion
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• seizure (convulsions); or
• uneven heartbeats

Less serious side effects may include:

• twitching or muscle spasm; or
• mild skin rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pfizerpen Interactions

What other drugs affect Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a tetracycline antibiotic, such as demeclocycline (Declomycin, Ledermycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Vibramycin, Periostat), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline (Broadspec, Panmycin, Sumycin)
• a sulfa drug such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Cotrim, Gantanol, Septra, Sulfatrim), or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); or
• a macrolide antibiotic such as aztihromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, E-Mycin, troleandomycin (Tao)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with penicillin G potassium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using penicillin G potassium.

Pfizerpen Dosage

How should I take Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Penicillin G potassium is given as an injection into a muscle or vein. It may also be injected into the membrane surrounding the lungs. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.
Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.
Store the dry powder medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions).

What happens if I miss a dose of Pfizerpen (Penicillin)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com