Why has my veterinarian prescribed Penicillin for my dog?
Penicillin antibiotics are effective against a range of infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria. This medication has been prescribed for your dog to treat a bacterial infection.
How do I give Penicillin to my dog?
- Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.
- Give this medication on an empty stomach, one hour before meals or two hours after meals.
- Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears your dog is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
- DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your dog two doses at once.
How do I store Penicillin?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- The liquid medication should preferably be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid after 14 days.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- Penicillins may cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
- The following reactions are rare, but if your dog experiences an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your dog.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with penicillins: aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, bacteriostatic antibiotics, rifampin, probenecid, oral anticoagulants, heparin, antacids, neomycin, aspirin, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
REMEMBER! READ THE LABEL.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
