To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bicillin L-A and other antibacterial drugs, Bicillin L-A should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.
From the U.S. FDA-approved label for Benzathine benzylpenicillin. Full label: DailyMed.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bicillin L-A and other antibacterial drugs, Bicillin L-A should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Intramuscular penicillin G benzathine is indicated in the treatment of infections due to penicillin-G-sensitive microorganisms that are susceptible to the low and very prolonged serum levels common to this particular dosage form. Therapy should be guided by bacteriological studies (including sensitivity tests) and by clinical response. The following infections will usually respond to adequate dosage of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine: Mild-to-moderate infections of the upper-respiratory tract due to susceptible streptococci.
From the U.S. FDA-approved label for Benzathine benzylpenicillin. Full label: DailyMed.
Streptococcal (Group A) Upper Respiratory Infections (for example, pharyngitis) Adults—a single injection of 1,200,000 units; older pediatric patients—a single injection of 900,000 units; infants and pediatric patients under 60 lbs.—300,000 to 600,000 units. Syphilis Primary, secondary, and latent—2,400,000 units (1 dose). Late (tertiary and neurosyphilis)—2,400,000 units at 7-day intervals for three doses.
Directions from the U.S. FDA-approved label — your doctor or pharmacist may advise differently.
A history of a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any of the penicillins is a contraindication.
Excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before use.
WARNING NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INADVERTENT INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST AND DEATH. Prior to administration of this drug, carefully read the WARNINGS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the labeling. Penicillin G benzathine should only be prescribed for the indications listed in this insert.
Warnings and precautions excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label — not a complete list. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before use.
As with other penicillins, untoward reactions of the sensitivity phenomena are likely to occur, particularly in individuals who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to penicillins or in those with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria. As with other treatments for syphilis, the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction has been reported.
Excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label — not a complete list. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about side effects.
Store in a refrigerator, 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Keep from freezing.
Storage information from the U.S. FDA-approved label.
This page is information only and is not medical advice. Medicine details come from the sources listed above and may change — always confirm the medicine, strength and dose with a pharmacist or doctor before use. NLEM listing does not guarantee that a medicine is in stock at any pharmacy.
