section name header

Pronunciation

pen-i-SILL-in vee

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: anti-infectives

Pharmacologic Classification: penicillins

Indications

REMS


Unlabeled Use:
  • Treatment of Lyme disease.
  • Prevention of recurrent

    Streptococcal pneumoniae

    septicemia in children with sickle-cell disease.

Action

  • Bind to bacterial cell wall, resulting in cell death.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Bactericidal action against susceptible bacteria.

Spectrum:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Variably absorbed from the GI tract. Resists acid degradation in the GI tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed, although CNS penetration is poor in the presence of normal (non-inflamed) meninges. Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk.

Protein Binding: 60%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Minimally metabolized by the liver, excreted mainly unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 30–60 min.

Time/Action Profile

(blood levels)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POrapid0.5–1 hr4–6 hr



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: rash, urticaria

GI: diarrhea, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

GU: interstitial nephritis

Hemat: eosinophilia, leukopenia

Neuro: SEIZURES

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND SERUM SICKNESS) , superinfection

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Canadian Brand Names

Pen VK

Code

NDC Code