Pen VK
Medical abbreviation · Drug
| Stands for | Penicillin V potassium |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
Pen VK stands for Penicillin V potassium, a drug abbreviation.
Oral form of penicillin, chemically phenoxymethylpenicillin, used mainly for strep throat, dental infections and prevention of rheumatic fever. It is acid-stable, so it can be taken by mouth, unlike penicillin G.
Example: Pen VK 500 mg PO BID x 10 days for strep pharyngitis.
Usage notes
The "VK" stands for penicillin V in its potassium salt. A full 10-day course is recommended for group A strep to prevent rheumatic fever. It is best taken on an empty stomach. Group A streptococci remain almost universally susceptible to penicillin, which is why it is still the drug of choice.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.