question: Hi, just started a course of Pen VK yesterday after being diagnosed with severe tonsilitis. Since taking the drug and changing nothing else in my routine I have developed severe abdominal bloating and some discomfort in my stomach area. My mother was allergic to penicillin but I did not think I was. I have had amoxycillin in the past with no problems. Is this a normal side-effect of the drug? I have hardly been eating since I got ill, just consuming fluids, so I don't think it's anything gassy that I've ingested. I am female, 42, and have a low BMI of 16.