BENZATHINE PENICILLIN G

Indications & Dose:

Mild to severe streptococcal infections Group A (without Bacteriemia) of the upper respiratory tract, skin and soft tissues, scarlet fever, Pneumococcal infections: moderately severe pneumonia, otitis media.

DOSAGE:

Streptococcal infections Group A:

Adults: 2.4 million units.

Children: 30-60 lbs, 0.9-1.2 million units; infants & children under 30 lbs, 0.6 million units. All by deep IM inj at a single session using multiple IM sites when indicated. An alternate dosage schedule may be used giving 1/2 the total dose on day 1 and 1/2 total dose on day 3. Pneumococcal infections (except pneumococal menningitis):

Adults: 1.2 million units. Children: 0.6 million units. (All by deep IM inj repeated every 2 or 3 days unitl the temperature is normal for 48 hours.)

ADMINISTRATION:

IM: Give undiluted injection; administer by deep IM injection in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock; do not give IV, intraarterially or SC. IM injections should be made into the midlateral muscle of the thigh.

Contraindications:

History of previous hypersensitivity reaction to penicillins and/or cephalosporins. Do not inject parenteral solutions into or near an artery or nerve. 

Side Effects:

Cautions:

Precautions:

Streptococcal infection: Therapy must be sufficient to eliminate the organism (a minimum of ten days). Otherwise the sequelae of streptococcal disease (endocarditis, rheumatic fever) may occur. Avoid small ineffective doses of penicillin as resistant organisms are mor likely to emerge. Serious fatal immediate hypersensitivity (anaphylactoid) reactions have been reported.

Interaction:

Concurrent administration of bacteriostatic antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, tetracycline) may dminish the bactericidal effects of penicillins. Probenecid prolongs penicillin blood levels. Oral contraceptives may be rendered less effective & an increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding may occur when administered with ampicillin or penicillin v. 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Anaphylaxis, Glossitis, stomatitis, gastritis, sore throat, dry mouth, furry tongue. Anaemias, Haemorrhagic manifestation. Interstitial nephritis (e.g. oliguria, hematuria). Nephrotoxicity. 

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: