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What are the Most Common Penicillin Side Effects?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

The most commonly reported penicillin side effects are also among the mildest. They include conditions that primarily cause discomfort, such as stomachache and nausea. There are also several previous conditions, such as kidney disease and adverse reactions to antibiotics generally, which can increase the chances of experiencing side effects. Some drugs can have an detrimental interactions with penicillin as well.

Several common and mild penicillin side effects do not require emergency care, although they should be discussed with a doctor if they become more severe or do not go away. These are also the most commonly reported effects of taking penicillin. Stomachache, nausea, rash, and vomiting are all possible effects. Patients may also notice excessive vaginal discharge or itching. Other reported symptoms include headache, a swollen, black tongue, or thrush, which is the growth of white patches inside the throat and mouth.

Side effects of penicillin may include body aches.
Side effects of penicillin may include body aches.

The more severe penicillin side effects should be reported to a medical professional immediately. These can include changes in the frequency of urination, bloody or watery diarrhea, and flu symptoms such as body aches, chills, and fever. An allergic reaction, which can include breathing problems, hives, and swelling in the face, is considered serious as well. Patients should also report unusual conditions of the skin, including easy bleeding or bruising and severe skin peeling, itching, or rash. Agitation, confusion, seizures, or blackouts are also possible.

Penicillin side effects may include flu-like symptoms.
Penicillin side effects may include flu-like symptoms.

Some drugs and supplements can have a dangerous interaction with penicillin and cause further adverse effects. A doctor should be informed if a patient is taking methotrexate or probenecid. As other drugs and herbal supplements may also be problematic, patients should disclose everything they are taking to the prescribing doctor.

Certain previous or current conditions can also increase the risk of taking penicillin. These should be disclosed to the prescribing doctor, as it may disqualify the patient from taking the drug or at least require more observation while it is being taken. Asthma, clotting or bleeding disorders, and kidney disease should be discussed with a doctor. The patient should also disclose any previous experiences with diarrhea as a result of taking an antibiotic.

Nausea is a common side effect of penicillin.
Nausea is a common side effect of penicillin.

Penicillin is an antibiotic drug. It works by killing harmful bacteria in the body that cause infections. The drug was the first medication to successfully treat several serious bacterial diseases, including staphylococcus, or staph, infections and syphilis. Though several kinds of bacteria have developed a resistance to the drug over years of use, penicillin is still commonly and successfully used to treat several illnesses.

Discussion Comments

anon360267

I took penicillin as an antibiotic prescribed by my GP, to target a vaginal infection but while I thought it was helping, I'm now seeing even more discharge. Should I go back to my GP?

anon206604

I have just started to take pen-veee-k again after it not being available for some time since I was a teenager. I have now noticed that I have to go to the bathroom every two hours. What is this due to?

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    • Side effects of penicillin may include body aches.
      By: chuugo
      Side effects of penicillin may include body aches.
    • Penicillin side effects may include flu-like symptoms.
      By: Farina3000
      Penicillin side effects may include flu-like symptoms.
    • Nausea is a common side effect of penicillin.
      By: carla9
      Nausea is a common side effect of penicillin.
    • Penicillin is derived from the penicillium mold.
      By: photocrew
      Penicillin is derived from the penicillium mold.
    • Penicillin often causes stomachaches.
      By: ohmega1982
      Penicillin often causes stomachaches.
    • Some patients who are prescribed penicillin experience headaches and nausea.
      By: memo
      Some patients who are prescribed penicillin experience headaches and nausea.
    • Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking penicillin.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking penicillin.