Antibiotic (Penicillin)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Penicillin Potassium is an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria responsible for infections — it stops the bacteria from building their protective walls, which causes them to die off.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking, resulting in bacterial cell lysis and death. This bactericidal action is effective against susceptible gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms causing respiratory, skin, soft tissue, and systemic infections.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Penicillin Potassium is usually given as an injection by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic, not taken at home by yourself. If prescribed in tablet form (Penicillin V), the typical adult dose is 250mg to 500mg every 6 hours, taken on an empty stomach — at least 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after food for best absorption. Always complete the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
Always complete the full course of antibiotics your doctor prescribed — stopping early because you feel better can make the infection come back stronger and harder to treat. Do not buy injectable penicillin and try to inject yourself at home; let a trained health worker do it. Do not share your antibiotics with family or friends, even if they have similar symptoms.
Methotrexate (used for some cancers and arthritis) — penicillin can increase its side effects. Blood-thinning drugs like warfarin — penicillin may increase the risk of bleeding. Some antibiotics like tetracycline or chloramphenicol can reduce penicillin's effectiveness if taken together.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Penicillin with your other drugs?
Penicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always inform your doctor that you are pregnant or nursing before starting treatment.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it near windows or in hot rooms. Keep it tightly sealed and far from the reach of children. If it is a liquid or injection form, check if it needs to be kept in a fridge.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Penicillin Potassium?
Clinical tools built for Nigerian pharmacists — launching soon.