Categories: Infectious Diseases

What’s the difference between penicillin G and penicillin V (VK)?

Both are first generation penicillins

Pencillin G => IV or IM

Penicillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin) => more acidic, more stable and can be given orally (PO). Penicillin VK is just its potassium salt.

NOTE: Penicllin V is less active against gram-negative bacteria then than penicillin G .

References

Nathwani D, Wood MJ. Penicillins. A current review of their clinical pharmacology and therapeutic use. Drugs 1993;45:866-94.

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Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

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Dr. C Humphreys

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