What is a white pill with W 112 on it? Identification and Uses

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In the United States, adults average two to three colds annually, often leading to secondary bacterial infections. A pill marked 'W 112' is prescribed for such events. So, what is a white pill with W 112 on it?

Quick Summary

The white, oblong pill imprinted with 'W 112' is identified as Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg. This antibiotic is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections by killing the bacteria causing them.

Key Points

Identification: The white, oblong pill with the imprint 'W 112' is Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg.
Primary Use: It is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and skin infections.
Mechanism: Penicillin V works by killing bacteria, preventing them from forming protective cell walls. It is not effective against viruses like the flu or common cold.
Dosage: It is typically taken every 6-8 hours, and it is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Manufacturer: The 'W' imprint often signifies Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the drug.
Precautions: Before taking, inform your doctor about any allergies to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, or if you have a history of kidney disease or asthma.

Identifying the 'W 112' Pill

Accurate identification of any medication is vital. A white, oblong, scored tablet bearing the imprint "W 112" is Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg. The 'W' often indicates the manufacturer, Wockhardt. This medication is a natural penicillin antibiotic and is not a controlled substance. It works by eliminating bacteria responsible for infections. It is important to remember that it is ineffective against viruses like the common cold. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

What is Penicillin V Potassium?

Penicillin V potassium is an antibiotic used for infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It prevents bacterial growth by inhibiting cell wall construction.

It is prescribed for:

Respiratory Infections: Such as strep throat and pneumonia.
Skin Infections: Including certain staphylococcal types and erysipelas.
Oral and Throat Infections: Treating conditions like scarlet fever and Vincent's gingivitis.
Prevention: Used to prevent rheumatic fever recurrence and heart valve infections during dental or respiratory procedures in certain patients.

How to Use the W 112 Pill

Correct usage of Penicillin V potassium is crucial. It's typically taken as a tablet or liquid every 6 to 8 hours for infections. For prevention, it might be taken twice daily. Take the medication at consistent times and finish the full course, even if symptoms improve. Early cessation can lead to incomplete treatment and potential bacterial resistance. It can be taken with or without food, though food may help with stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.

Dosage and Administration

Dosage varies based on the infection. The W 112 pill contains 500 mg. Always follow your doctor's instructions. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered, unless it's almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double doses.

Potential Side Effects and Warnings

Penicillin V potassium can cause side effects, though many do not experience serious issues.

Common Side Effects:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Black, hairy tongue

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction:

Rash or hives
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody) up to two months post-treatment

Inform your doctor about allergies to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, asthma, or kidney disease before taking this medication.

Comparison of Common Oral Antibiotics


Feature	Penicillin V Potassium (W 112)	Amoxicillin	Doxycycline
Drug Class	Natural Penicillin	Aminopenicillin	Tetracycline antibiotic
Primary Use	Strep throat, skin infections, rheumatic fever prevention	Ear infections, UTIs, pneumonia	Acne, respiratory infections, Lyme disease, malaria prevention
Mechanism	Kills bacteria by damaging their cell walls	Similar to penicillin, with a broader spectrum	Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis
Common Side Effects	Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash	Nausea, sun sensitivity, tooth discoloration in children

Conclusion

The white pill marked W 112 is Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg, an antibiotic for various bacterial infections. Use it as prescribed and complete the full course to prevent resistance. Be aware of side effects and consult a doctor for concerns. Proper medication identification is key to safe health management.

For more information on pill identification, visit an authoritative resource like Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pill with the imprint W 112 is identified as Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

No. The W 112 pill is Penicillin V, an antibiotic that is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Using it for a virus can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If these persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics before taking this medication, as a serious allergic reaction could occur.

Yes. It is very important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning and becoming harder to treat.

While there isn't a major direct interaction, alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the infection. It's generally best to avoid alcohol while you are ill.