When Should You Not Take Penicillin?

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don't take this drug again if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it or any other type of penicillin.

When should antibiotics not be used?

"Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections – they do not work for infections caused by viruses, such as colds, bronchitis, flu, COVID- 19 or most sore throats," he says.

What happens if you take penicillin and don't have an infection?

Study finds antibiotics may do more harm than good if you're not actually sick. Antibiotics have long been scrutinized for their misuse, overuse, and harsh side effects. If taken incorrectly, researchers believe antibiotics can do more harm than good.