Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands

Penicillin VK (Oral)

C. diff Risk

Low

Oral Bioavailability

Good (70 to 90%)

Approximate Cost

<$

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Pediatric

Neonatal

25 mg/kg, PO, 3xdaily

Renal

Use with caution; excretion is prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Consult with a pharmacist for dosing in renal impairment

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Streptococcal infections and therapy of documented susceptible infection not requiring parenteral therapy (i.e. upper respiratory tract)

Prophylaxis after rheumatic fever

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

  • Monitor for allergy

  • Periodic CBC, SCr

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  • Allergy (anaphylaxis) and other rash

  • Cytopenias, Positive Coombs, Eosinophilia

  • Serum sickness

  • Acute interstitial nephritis

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Penicillin

Average serum half life: No pediatric data. Adults: 30 minutes; prolonged in patients with renal impairment

Biliary Pentration: Detectable but lower than serum

Route of Elimination: Penicillin V and its metabolites are excreted in urine