penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

Tell your caregivers right away if you feel light-headed during the injection.

What is penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine?

Penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine is a combination antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including strep, pneumonia, and scarlet fever.

Penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this medicine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic (Keflex, Omnicef, and others);
• any type of allergy;
• asthma or breathing problems;
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• heart disease; or
• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is this medicine given?

Penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine is injected into a muscle by a healthcare provider.

This medicine is sometimes given in a single dose. The medicine may also be given every 2 to 3 days until your body temperature is normal for 48 hours.

Keep receiving the medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication.

You may need tests after treatment to make sure your infection has completely cleared.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose may cause a seizure.

What should I avoid while receiving this medicine?

Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine without first asking your doctor. Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Some side effects may occur if the medicine has been accidentally injected near a vein or nerve. Tell your caregivers right away if you feel light-headed or if you have:

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or feeling cold;
• pale or mottled skin, blue-colored lips, fingers, or toes;
• severe pain or swelling in your lower leg;
• weakness in your arms or legs; or
• blistering, peeling, discoloration, or painful skin changes where the medicine was injected.

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), extreme fear;
• a seizure;
• pain, swelling, warmth, redness, bruising, bleeding, or a lump where the medicine was injected;
• pale or yellowed skin, bruising or bleeding, dark colored urine;
• urination problems; or
• signs of a new infection --fever, chills, mouth sores, vaginal itching or discharge.

Seek medical attention right away if you develop a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include headache, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, feeling tired or light-headed, or skin that looks pale, gray, or blue-colored.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• itching, sweating, allergic reaction;
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• feeling anxious or nervous;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness; or
• pain, swelling, or bruising where an injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• tetracycline; or
• probenecid.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine.