GENERIC NAME: PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE - INJECTION (pen-ih-SILL-in G BEN-zuh-theen)
BRAND NAME(S): Bicillin L-A
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Penicillin G benzathine is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: This drug is administered by a doctor or nurse and is injected into a large muscle. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by scheduling the doses at evenly spaced intervals. If more than one dose is required make sure you do not miss any doses. The number of doses depend on the type of infection. Continue to receive this medication until the fully prescribed treatment program is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause mild diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or irritation at injection site during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness or weakness. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: wheezing, difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history especially: kidney disease, stomach/intestine diseases, allergies to penicillins or other antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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