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Benzylpenicillin

Generic Name
Benzylpenicillin
Brand Names
Bicillin, Bicillin L-A, Pfizerpen
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C16H18N2O4S
CAS Number
61-33-6
Unique Ingredient Identifier
Q42T66VG0C

Overview

Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) is narrow spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is a natural penicillin antibiotic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly due to poor oral absorption. Penicillin G may also be used in some cases as prophylaxis against susceptible organisms. Natural penicillins are considered the drugs of choice for several infections caused by susceptible gram positive aerobic organisms, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, groups A, B, C and G streptococci, nonenterococcal group D streptococci, viridans group streptococci, and non-penicillinase producing staphylococcus. Aminoglycosides may be added for synergy against group B streptococcus (S. agalactiae), S. viridans, and Enterococcus faecalis. The natural penicillins may also be used as first or second line agents against susceptible gram positive aerobic bacilli such as Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Natural penicillins have limited activity against gram negative organisms; however, they may be used in some cases to treat infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Pasteurella. They are not generally used to treat anaerobic infections. Resistance patterns, susceptibility and treatment guidelines vary across regions.

Background

Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) is narrow spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is a natural penicillin antibiotic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly due to poor oral absorption. Penicillin G may also be used in some cases as prophylaxis against susceptible organisms. Natural penicillins are considered the drugs of choice for several infections caused by susceptible gram positive aerobic organisms, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, groups A, B, C and G streptococci, nonenterococcal group D streptococci, viridans group streptococci, and non-penicillinase producing staphylococcus. Aminoglycosides may be added for synergy against group B streptococcus (S. agalactiae), S. viridans, and Enterococcus faecalis. The natural penicillins may also be used as first or second line agents against susceptible gram positive aerobic bacilli such as Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Natural penicillins have limited activity against gram negative organisms; however, they may be used in some cases to treat infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Pasteurella. They are not generally used to treat anaerobic infections. Resistance patterns, susceptibility and treatment guidelines vary across regions.

Indication

For use in the treatment of severe infections caused by penicillin G-susceptible microorganisms when rapid and high penicillin levels are required such as in the treatment of septicemia, meningitis, pericarditis, endocarditis and severe pneumonia.

Associated Conditions

  • Actinomycosis
  • Acute Rheumatic Fever
  • Anthrax
  • Bloodstream Infections (BSI)
  • Clostridium Botulinum Toxin Adverse Reaction
  • Diphtheria
  • Empyema
  • Endocarditis
  • Endocarditis caused by Erysipelothrix infections
  • Fusospirochetosis
  • Gas Gangrene
  • Gonococcal infections
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
  • Haverhill fever
  • Listeria infection
  • Meningitis
  • Meningococcal Meningitis
  • Pasteurella infections
  • Pericarditis
  • Pneumonia
  • Syphilis
  • Tetanus
  • Rat bite fever

FDA Approved Products

No FDA products found for this drug

Singapore Approved Products

PENICILLIN G SODIUM SANDOZ 5,000,000 IU/VIAL
Manufacturer:SANDOZ GMBH
Form:INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION
Strength:5 mil iu/vial
Online:Yes
Approved: 1988/05/04
Approval:SIN00682P
PENICILLIN G SODIUM SANDOZ 1,000,000 IU/VIAL
Manufacturer:SANDOZ GMBH
Form:INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION
Strength:1000000 iu/vial
Online:Yes
Approved: 1988/06/14
Approval:SIN01835P

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