Aspecillin VK (Phenoxymethylpenicillin (As Potassium))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aspecillin VK Used For?
Aspecillin VK is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacterial infections throughout your body.
Primary Uses
Aspecillin VK treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent recurrence of rheumatic fever.
How It Works
Aspecillin VK works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection. It will not work against infections caused by viruses such as colds or the flu.
Good to know: This medication only works against bacterial infections, not viral infections like colds or flu
How to Take Aspecillin VK
Take Aspecillin VK exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing and dosage are important for the medication to work effectively.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: 250mg to 500mg every four to six hours. For preventing rheumatic fever recurrence: 250mg twice daily for as long as your doctor tells you. Take 1 hour before food. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Continue taking for the full course even if you feel well.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is less than 4 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Take doses regularly at the same time each day.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Skin rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Black hairy tongue
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty breathing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe diarrhea (may indicate serious bowel condition)
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Sore mouth or tongue (may indicate fungal infection)
- Signs of allergic reaction (breathing difficulties, swelling, severe rash)
Important Warnings
Before taking Aspecillin VK, make sure your doctor knows about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Aspecillin VK
Do not take if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin, any other penicillin medicines, cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the tablets. If you have an allergic reaction to cephalosporins, you may have an increased chance of being allergic to Aspecillin VK. Do not take if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous diarrhea after taking antibiotics, bleeding disorders, kidney problems, liver problems, asthma or tendency to develop allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema, any other health problems, or allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Aspecillin VK and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Birth Control: You may need to use other birth control methods while taking Aspecillin VK as it may affect oral contraceptive pills
- Probenecid (used to treat gout)
- Antacids (used to reduce heartburn or indigestion)
- Oral contraceptive pills (may need alternative birth control methods)
- Aminoglycosides (antibiotics for bacterial infections)
- Methotrexate (used for rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, and inflammatory conditions)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Aspecillin VK affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Aspecillin VK affects you.
Storage
Keep tablets in the bottle until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, on window sills, or in cars. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Aspecillin VK, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor immediately. Continue taking the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well.
Aspecillin VK should be taken 1 hour before food for best absorption.
If it’s less than 4 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, do not stop taking Aspecillin VK without checking with your doctor. It’s important to complete the full course even if you feel well, or your infection may not clear completely.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after stopping the medicine. Do not take any medicine for diarrhea without first checking with your doctor, as it may indicate a serious bowel condition.
No, do not take Aspecillin VK if you are allergic to phenoxymethylpenicillin, any other penicillin medicines, or cephalosporins. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
Tell your doctor about any medical conditions including previous diarrhea after antibiotics, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver problems, asthma, allergies, and if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.