Benzyl Penicillin

Benzyl Penicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the throat, ear, nasal sinuses, respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue, and sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis. Benzyl Penicillin is also used to prevent infections such as Rheumatic fever and bacterial endocarditis in people with pre-existing heart disease.

Benzyl Penicillin has bactericidal action against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative cocci, some other gram-negative bacteria, spirochetes, and actinomycetes. It inhibits the final cross-linking stage of peptidoglycan production through binding and inactivation of transpeptidases on the inner surface of the bacterial cell membrane, thus inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is inhibited by penicillinase and other beta-lactamases.

Common side effects include rash, vomiting, allergic reactions, nausea, and diarrhea. It is generally safe to use during pregnancy under medical supervision.

• Meningitis
• Anthrax
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Bacterial endocarditis
• Septicemia
• Diphtheria
• Syphilis
• Cellulitis
• Gonorrhea
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Lung abscess
• Septic arthritis
• Gangrene
• Prevention of rheumatic fever

Benzylpenicillin has a bactericidal action against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative cocci, some other gram-negative bacteria, spirochetes and actinomycetes. It inhibits final cross-linking stage of peptidoglycan production through binding and inactivation of transpeptidases on the inner surface of the bacterial cell membrane thus inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is inhibited by penicillinase and other beta-lactamases.

Benzyl Penicillin inhibits the final cross-linking stage of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins and inactivates transpeptidase enzymes, causing cell wall weakening and bacterial lysis.

Adult:

• Bacterial endocarditis (with aminoglycoside): 1.2 g IV every 4 hours
• Group B streptococcal infection prophylaxis (intrapartum): Initial 3 g, then 1.5 g every 4 hours until delivery
• Meningococcal/Pneumococcal meningitis: 2.4 g every 4 hours (up to 18 g/day for meningococcal meningitis)
• Susceptible infections (IV/IM): 0.6-4.8 g/day in divided doses

Pediatric (Infants & Children):

• Bacterial infection (IV/IM): 100,000–250,000 units/kg/day every 4-6 hours
• Maximum daily dose: 24 million units

Renal Dose: Dosing interval should be no more frequent than every 8-10 hours.

Intramuscular (IM): Avoid injection near arteries or nerves (may cause permanent neurological damage). Neonates, infants: preferred site is the mid-lateral thigh. Older children and adults: deep IM injection in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock.

Reconstitution: Loosen powder, add diluent slowly while rotating the vial horizontally, then shake vigorously. Reconstitute with sterile water for injection, NaCl 0.9%, or dextrose 5% depending on the route of administration.

Swallow tablets whole, do not chew or crush. May be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Rash
• Vomiting
• Allergic reaction
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Urticaria
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Angioedema
• Serum sickness
• Hemolytic anemia
• Interstitial nephritis
• Neutropenia
• Thrombocytopenia
• CNS toxicity (including seizures)
• Anaphylaxis (potentially fatal)

• Inform your doctor if allergic to penicillin or penicillin-type medicines
• Complete the full course - do not stop even if you feel better
• Stop and inform your doctor immediately if you develop allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face/throat/tongue, breathing difficulties)
• Dose adjustment needed in renal impairment (risk of neurotoxicity)
• Monitor serum potassium, renal and hematological status
• Avoid high doses in renal impairment or heart failure
• Avoid intrathecal route

• Hypersensitivity to penicillins

• Probenecid: Increases and prolongs serum penicillin levels
• Tetracycline: May antagonize the bactericidal effect of penicillin

[SAFE] Consuming alcohol with Benzyl Penicillin does not cause any harmful side effects.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Benzyl Penicillin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category B). Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby. Use under medical supervision.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Benzyl Penicillin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Pediatric dose: 100,000–250,000 units/kg/day IV/IM every 4-6 hours, maximum 24 million units/day.

Elderly patients may have decreased renal function, so dose adjustment may be needed.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in kidney disease. Dosing interval should be no more frequent than every 8-10 hours.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose may cause neurotoxicity (seizures), especially in renal impairment. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

Store below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Benzyl Penicillin (C₁₆H₁₈N₂O₄S)