The difference between potassium penicillin and sodium penicillin
Disease description:
Just learned about penicillin and sodium penicillin, but I don't know the differences. What are the differences between potassium penicillin and sodium penicillin?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Shuwen
The differences between potassium penicillin and sodium penicillin include solubility rate and chemical form. Potassium penicillin dissolves quickly, but it should not be administered via intravenous injection to avoid rapidly increasing blood potassium levels. Additionally, potassium penicillin can cause severe pain. Sodium penicillin can be given by intravenous injection, although it dissolves with difficulty. Sodium penicillin may worsen fluid retention and edema, so patients with poor renal function may choose potassium penicillin instead. Patients with hyperkalemia can take sodium penicillin orally.
