penicillin G benzathine

What is the most important information I should know about penicillin G benzathine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

What is penicillin G benzathine?

Penicillin G benzathine is an antibiotic that is used to treat many types of infections caused by bacteria, including strep or syphilis. Penicillin G benzathine is also used to prevent symptoms of rheumatic fever.

Penicillin G benzathine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving penicillin G benzathine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic (Keflex, Omnicef, and others);
• any type of allergy;
• asthma or breathing problems;
• heart disease; or
• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is penicillin G benzathine given?

Penicillin G benzathine is injected into a muscle.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Penicillin G benzathine will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

You may need tests after treatment to make sure your infection has completely cleared.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose may cause a seizure.

What should I avoid while receiving penicillin G benzathine?

Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine without first asking your doctor. Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection.

What are the possible side effects of penicillin G benzathine?

Some side effects may occur if the medicine has been accidentally injected near a vein or nerve. Tell your doctor right away if you have:

• pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or feeling cold;
• pale or mottled skin, blue-colored lips, fingers, or toes;
• severe pain, tingling, weakness, or swelling in your lower leg;
• weakness in your arms or legs; or
• blistering, peeling, discoloration, or painful skin changes where the medicine was injected.

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), extreme fear;
• a seizure;
• pain, swelling, warmth, redness, bruising, bleeding, or a lump where the medicine was injected;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• urination problems; or
• signs of a new infection --fever, chills, mouth sores, warmth or redness under your skin, vaginal itching or discharge.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• itching, sweating, allergic reaction;
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• feeling anxious, nervous, weak, or tired;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• muscle or joint pain; or
• pain, swelling, bruising, or a hard lump where an injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect penicillin G benzathine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• tetracycline; or
• probenecid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect penicillin G benzathine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about penicillin G benzathine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision date: 6/3/2021.