336 benzathine penicillin, benzylpenicillin
benzathine penicillin
(Bicillin L-A, Penadur L-A, Permapen)
Benzathine penicillin is a long-acting
antibiotic of the penicillin family used to
treat syphilis, genital ulcers, and other
infections.
Important: Is always given as an
injection into a large muscle.
Side effects:
In some people: Itchy raised spots or
rashes
Rarely: A dangerous reaction called
allergic shock. Soon after penicillin
is injected, the person suddenly gets
pale (cold sweat), weak, rapid pulse or
heartbeat, difficulty breathing, loss of
consciousness. Epinephrine (see page
342) must be injected at once.
Often comes in: Powder for mixing
injections of 1.2 or 2.4 million Units in a
5 ml vial.
How to use:
For syphilis, if there is a sore, inject
2.4 million Units into a large muscle one
time only. If there is a blood test, or the
sores have already disappeared, then
inject once every week for 3 weeks.
Other medicines that may work:
For syphilis: doxycycline, tetracycline,
erythromycin
WARNING: Have ephinephrine
on hand whenever penicillin is
injected. Watch for allergic
reactions and allergic shock, which could
start within 30 minutes.
benzylpenicillin
(Celinex, Hi-Do-Pen, penicillin G
potassium or sodium)
Benzylpenicillin is an antibiotic of the
penicillin family used to treat many
serious infections.
Important: Be ready to treat an allergic
reaction (see p. 329).
Side effects: May cause yeast infection
in women or diaper rash in children.
Often comes in: Powder for mixing for
injection of 1 or 5 million Units
How to use:
For tetanus in newborns, inject
100,000 Units/kg into muscle 1 time only
and get medical help.
WARNING: Watch for allergic
reactions and signs of shock.
Do not give to people who are
allergic to medicines of the penicillin family.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007