Will taking penicillin causes pain and weakness in the arm?
Patient: Hello, I am taking penicillin VK 500MG Tabl and I am noticing that my right arm is very weak and it it painful to move the arm. Should I stop taking this prescription? I was prescribed this because I had a small abcess under one of my teeth. Thank you in advance. Doctor: Hi,Yes, although it is rare but penicillin can cause pain and muscle weakness. Based on the history you seem to have hyperkalemia (increased potassium level) apparently caused by using penicillin VK-500 tablets. I advise you to stop taking this drug and consult your dental surgeon for an alternate effective but a safer antibiotic apart from undergoing drainage of the abscess.Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician