Benzylpenicillin procaine = Penicillin G procaine injectable

Therapeutic action

Long-acting penicillin antibacterial (12 to 24 hours).

Indications

• Diphtheria, when oral treatment is not possible.
• Congenital syphilis if the neonate has clinical signs or the mother did not receive adequate treatment during pregnancy.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• Powder for injection in 0.6 MIU vial and 1.2 MIU vial, to be dissolved with the diluent supplied by the manufacturer.
• For IM injection only. Never administer by IV injection or infusion.

Dose

Duration

• Diphtheria: change to oral treatment as soon as the patient can swallow, to complete 14 days.
• Congenital syphilis: 10 days.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Once reconstituted, suspension must be used immediately.
• Do not administer to patients allergic to penicillin and or procaine.
• Administer with caution to patients allergic to cephalosporins or with renal impairment.
• May cause gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic reactions sometimes severe. In the event of allergic reactions, stop treatment immediately.
• Ensure that the needle does not accidentally enter a vessel.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
• Do not confuse procaine benzylpenicillin with short-acting benzylpenicillin administered several times per day by IV route.
• Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe.