Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Pfizerpen, penicillin G potassium, penicillin G sodium, Crystapen
- Penicillins, Natural
Description
Naturally derived antibiotic for parenteral use. Commercially available as salts of potassium or sodium; these aqueous and crystalline forms administered IV or IM. Primary agent for Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, and enterococcal infections. Drug of choice for the treatment of treponemal infection.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of bacteremia or empyema.
Contraindications
Allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, imipenem
Adverse Effects
Seizure
Anemia
Interstitial nephritis
Hypersensitivity
Anaphylaxis
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction
Positive Coombs’ reaction
Warnings
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions reported; reactions likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens; before initiating therapy, inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens; discontinue and institute appropriate therapy If an allergic reaction occurs
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) reported when SCAR is suspected, discontinue therapy and consider an alternative treatment
The use of antibiotics may promote overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi; indwelling intravenous catheters encourage superinfections; should superinfection occur, appropriate measures should be taken; when indicated, incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy
Care should be taken to avoid intravenous or accidental intraarterial administration, or injection into or near major peripheral nerves or blood vessels, since such injections may produce neurovascular damage; particular care should be taken with IV administration because of possibility of thrombophlebitis
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future
In renal/hepatic impairment, reduce dose based on severity of impairment
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: excreted in breast milk
Maximum Dosage
24 million units/day IV/IM is FDA-approved maximum; up to 30 million units/day IV/IM has been used off-label.
24 million units/day IV/IM is FDA-approved maximum; up to 30 million units/day IV/IM has been used off-label.
300,000 units/kg/day IV/IM (Max: 24 million units/day) is FDA-approved maximum; up to 400,000 units/kg/day IV/IM (Max: 24 million units/day) has been used off-label.
300,000 units/kg/day IV/IM (Max: 24 million units/day) is FDA-approved maximum; up to 400,000 units/kg/day IV/IM (Max: 24 million units/day) has been used off-label.
300,000 units/kg/day IV/IM is FDA-approved maximum; up to 400,000 units/kg/day IV/IM has been used off-label.
8 days and older: 200,000 units/kg/day IV/IM.
0 to 7 days: 150,000 units/kg/day IV/IM.
How supplied
Penicillin G sodium, Penicillin G potassium
premixed injectable solution
- 1 million units/50mL
- 2 million units/50mL
- 3 million units/50mL
potassium, powder for injectable solution
- 5 million units/vial
- 20 million units/vial
sodium, powder for injectable solution
- 5 million units/vial