penicillin
Brand names: BICILLIN L-A
# Penicillin: What You Need to Know Penicillin is an antibiotic medicine that fights bacterial infections in your body. Doctors prescribe it to treat many different types of infections, including ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, and skin infections. Penicillin works by killing bacteria that make you sick. It's one of the oldest and most commonly used antibiotics, and for many people, it's a safe and effective way to get better when they have a bacterial infection. Before taking penicillin, it's important to tell your doctor if you're allergic to it or similar medicines, because some people have serious allergic reactions. You should also let your doctor know about all other medicines you're taking, since penicillin doesn't work well with certain drugs like tetracycline antibiotics. Take penicillin exactly as your doctor tells you—usually for the full number of days prescribed, even if you feel better—to make sure the infection is completely gone. Common side effects might include upset stomach or diarrhea, but if you experience severe reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, seek medical help right away.
Taking penicillin with other medications?
Check all your medications at once for potential interactions.
Check Your Medications →Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY1,671 reports
- HYPERSENSITIVITY587 reports
- RECALLED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED565 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE480 reports
- DYSPNOEA467 reports
- RASH456 reports
- OFF LABEL USE373 reports
- DIARRHOEA352 reports
- NAUSEA336 reports
- ANXIETY324 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with penicillin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.