Penicillin for sickle cell disease (1563)
Key points below
What is penicillin?
Penicillin is an antibiotic medicine. It helps stop some bacteria from growing. It can prevent and treat some bacterial infections. It will not treat a virus.Why is it needed?
With sickle cell disease, the spleen gets damaged by the sickled red blood cells. The spleen cannot fight infection like it should. This puts that person at risk for a serious blood infection called pneumococcal sepsis. This infection can lead to death. Taking penicillin two times every day helps prevent this infection from starting. Your baby will need to take Penicillin and keep taking it until at least 5 years of age. If your child needs to take Penicillin longer, the sickle cell doctor will talk to you about it.How should it be given?
Penicillin comes as a liquid or a pill. It is best to take it without food. If your child is taking liquid Penicillin, keep it in the refrigerator. Remember, the liquid is only good for 2 weeks.
- Fill a clean syringe with the amount listed on the medicine bottle. Ask someone to show you this the first time.
- Squirt some into the side of your child's mouth and let them swallow it. Then squirt some more until it is all swallowed.
- Some medicines can be mixed with food or liquid. Use only a small amount of food or liquid, so your child finishes all of it.
Allergies and side effects
Allergies to watch for:
- A new rash or hives.
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or asthma attack.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat area after taking the medicine
If you notice any of these, stop giving penicillin and call your doctor right away.
Side effects can be:
- Throwing up (vomiting).
- Sick to the stomach (nausea).
- Mild diarrhea.
- White patches in the mouth (thrush).
If any of these happen, let the doctor know. It may help to give medicine with food.