Friday, September 16, 2016

penicillin G potassium



Generic Name: penicillin G potassium (PEN i SIL in G poe TAS ee um)

Brand Names: Pfizerpen


What is penicillin G potassium?

Penicillin G potassium is a fast-acting antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.


Penicillin G potassium is used to treat many different types of severe infections, including strep and staph infections, diphtheria, meningitis, gonorrhea, and syphilis.


Penicillin G potassium is also used to prevent infections of the heart valves in people with certain heart conditions who need to have dental work or surgery.


Penicillin G potassium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about penicillin G potassium?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, Keflex, and others.

Before using penicillin G potassium, tell your doctor if you have asthma or a history of allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease.


Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking penicillin G potassium?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, Keflex, and others.

To make sure you can safely use penicillin G potassium, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • asthma or a history of allergies;




  • liver disease;




  • kidney disease; or




  • heart disease.




FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Penicillin G potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take penicillin G potassium?


Penicillin G potassium is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an injection at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.


Penicillin G potassium may also be injected into the membrane surrounding the lungs, or into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 24 hours to complete.


Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.


Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.


Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Penicillin G potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you use this medication long-term, your blood may need to be tested to make sure the medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.


This medication can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using penicillin G potassium.


After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G potassium, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.


Store the powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat. After mixing the powder with a diluent, store in the refrigerator and use it within 7 days. Do not freeze. Penicillin G potassium that is supplied as a frozen solution should be stored in a deep freezer at a temperature of 4 degrees below 0 (F).

Thaw the solution either in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not heat the medicine to thaw it more quickly.


Penicillin G potassium that is thawed in the refrigerator should be used within 14 days. If you have thawed the medicine at room temperature, you must use it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.

Once the solution has been thawed, it should look clear. Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy or has particles in it, or if the medicine container leaks. Call your doctor or pharmacist for a new prescription.


What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking penicillin G potassium?


Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.


Penicillin G potassium side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;




  • blood in your urine;




  • feeling like you might pass out;




  • fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, rash or itching, muscle or joint pain, night sweats, general ill feeling;




  • white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • skin rash with bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;




  • swelling in your hands or feet;




  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;




  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;




  • twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements; or




  • increased thirst, feeling restless, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • overactive reflexes;




  • nausea, vomiting;




  • black or hairy tongue; or




  • pain, swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle.



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.


Penicillin G potassium Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Streptococcal Infection:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci (including Streptococcus pneumoniae): 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Such infections include septicemia, empyema, pneumonia, pericarditis, endocarditis, and meningitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci: 5 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Such infections include septicemia, empyema, pneumonia, pericarditis, endocarditis, and meningitis.

Pasteurella infections (including bacteremia and meningitis): 4 million to 6 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 2 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci: 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci: 5 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Septicemia:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci: 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci: 5 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Endocarditis:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci: 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci: 5 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: 2 million to 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 4 to 6 weeks

Listeria monocytogenes: 15 million to 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 4 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci: 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Serious infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci: 5 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Listerial meningitis: 15 million to 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 2 weeks

Pasteurella meningitis: 4 million to 6 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 2 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

Meningococcal meningitis and/or septicemia: 1 million to 2 million units IM every 2 hours or 20 million to 30 million units/day as a continuous IV infusion for at least 10 to 14 days

If meningococcal meningitis is suspected, immediate treatment with penicillin is required, and should be started before lumbar puncture confirmation of the diagnosis. The mortality of this disease is 50% within the first 24 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis -- Pneumococcal:

Serious infections due to susceptible strains: 12 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Neurosyphilis:

Manufacturers recommendation: 2 million to 4 million units IV every 4 hours for 10 to 14 days

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation: 3 million to 4 million units IV every 4 hours or 18 million to 24 million units/day as a continuous infusion for 10 to 14 days

Many experts recommend additional therapy with penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units IM once a week for up to 3 weeks following completion of IV therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Actinomycosis:

Cervicofacial disease: 1 million to 6 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours
Thoracic and abdominal disease: 10 million to 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Duration: Prolonged therapy (1.5 to 18 months or longer) may be necessary. Four to 6 weeks followed by oral therapy for 6 to 12 months, depending on the nature and severity of the infection, has been recommended for patients with pulmonary actinomycosis or other severe infections caused by the organism.

Usual Adult Dose for Inhalation Bacillus anthracis:

Treatment of penicillin-susceptible anthrax:
As the result of naturally occurring or endemic anthrax exposure: Minimum of 8 million units/day IV in divided doses every 6 hours; higher doses may be needed depending on susceptibility of organism

Dosages up to 20 million units/day IV have been used to treat anthrax septicemia and intestinal, pulmonary, and meningeal anthrax. Some clinicians recommend 8 million to 12 million units/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for the treatment of anthrax due to natural or endemic anthrax exposures.

Duration: At least 14 days after symptoms abate

As the result of exposure to B anthracis spores during biologic warfare or bioterrorism: 4 million units IV every 4 hours; oral therapy may be substituted once the patient's clinical condition improves

Treatment of inhalation anthrax should be started with a multiple-drug parenteral regimen that includes ciprofloxacin or doxycycline plus 1 or 2 additional antibiotics with activity against the causative organism. A multiple-drug parenteral regimen is also recommended for initial treatment of cutaneous anthrax if there are signs of systemic involvement, extensive edema, or lesions on the head or neck. Due to concerns regarding resistance, penicillin alone is not recommended for inhalation anthrax that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism since high concentrations of the organism are expected, but it can be included in appropriate combination therapies.

Duration: 60 days (including IV and oral therapy)

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous Bacillus anthracis:

Treatment of penicillin-susceptible anthrax:
As the result of naturally occurring or endemic anthrax exposure: Minimum of 8 million units/day IV in divided doses every 6 hours; higher doses may be needed depending on susceptibility of organism

Dosages up to 20 million units/day IV have been used to treat anthrax septicemia and intestinal, pulmonary, and meningeal anthrax. Some clinicians recommend 8 million to 12 million units/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for the treatment of anthrax due to natural or endemic anthrax exposures.

Duration: At least 14 days after symptoms abate

As the result of exposure to B anthracis spores during biologic warfare or bioterrorism: 4 million units IV every 4 hours; oral therapy may be substituted once the patient's clinical condition improves

Treatment of inhalation anthrax should be started with a multiple-drug parenteral regimen that includes ciprofloxacin or doxycycline plus 1 or 2 additional antibiotics with activity against the causative organism. A multiple-drug parenteral regimen is also recommended for initial treatment of cutaneous anthrax if there are signs of systemic involvement, extensive edema, or lesions on the head or neck. Due to concerns regarding resistance, penicillin alone is not recommended for inhalation anthrax that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism since high concentrations of the organism are expected, but it can be included in appropriate combination therapies.

Duration: 60 days (including IV and oral therapy)

Usual Adult Dose for Botulism:

Adjunctive therapy to antitoxin: 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Wound botulism (as an adjunct to antitoxin, supportive care, and surgical debridement): 2 million units IV every 4 hours plus metronidazole 250 mg IV every 6 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Tetanus:

Adjunctive therapy to human tetanus immune globulin: 20 million units/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Clostridial Infection:

Gas gangrene (debridement and/or surgery as indicated): 20 million units/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Diphtheria:

As an adjunct to antitoxin and to prevent carrier state: 2 million to 3 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 10 to 12 days

To eliminate carrier state: 300,000 to 400,000 units/day IM in divided doses for 10 to 12 days

Usual Adult Dose for Fusospirochetosis:

Severe infections of the oropharynx (Vincent's), lower respiratory tract, and genital area: 5 million to 10 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Bacteremia:

Pasteurella bacteremia: 4 million to 6 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 2 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Rat-bite Fever:

Infections due to Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat-bite fever or Haverhill fever) or Spirillum minus (rat-bite fever): 12 million to 20 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 3 to 4 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Neurologic:

Early Lyme disease with acute neurologic disease manifested by meningitis or radiculopathy: 18 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 hours

Late Lyme disease and associated neurologic disease affecting the CNS or peripheral nerve disease (e.g., neuropathy, encephalopathy) and documented by CSF analysis: 18 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Duration: 14 to 28 days

Penicillin G is recommended as an alternative to IV ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Carditis:

Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) heart block or a PR interval exceeding 0.3 seconds: 18 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours, with cardiac monitoring and a temporary pacemaker for complete heart block

Duration: 14 to 21 days

Penicillin G is recommended as an alternative to IV ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Arthritis:

Recurrent arthritis after oral treatment: 18 million to 24 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 hours for 14 to 28 days

Penicillin G is recommended as an alternative to IV ceftriaxone for patients with late Lyme disease who have arthritis and objective proof of neurologic disease. It is also recommended as an alternative for patients with persistent or recurrent arthritis after oral treatment; IV therapy is only recommended in those patients whose arthritis showed no improvement or worsened. Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease:

5 million units IV at onset of labor or after membrane rupture followed by 2.5 million units IV every 4 hours until delivery

Usual Adult Dose for Leptospirosis:

1.5 million units IV every 6 hours for 7 days

Usual Adult Dose for Deep Neck Infection:

2 million to 4 million units IV or IM every 4 to 6 hours for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

The addition of metronidazole to high-dose penicillin therapy is recommended by many experts to treat parapharyngeal infections because of the increasing frequency of penicillin-resistant anaerobes. Removal of abscessed material is also necessary for successful treatment.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:

Erysipelas: 1 million to 2 million units IV every 4 to 6 hours
Streptococcal cellulitis: 1 million to 2 million units IV every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Aspiration Pneumonia:

2 million to 3 million units IV every 4 to 6 hours plus metronidazole 500 mg IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Joint Infection:

2 million to 3 million units IV every 4 hours for 2 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Gonococcal Infection -- Disseminated:

Infections (such as meningitis, endocarditis, arthritis, etc.) caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms: 10 million units/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

Duration: Depends on the nature and severity of the infection

Due to resistance, penicillin G is not recommended by the CDC. Ceftriaxone is the drug of choice.

Usual Adult Dose for Gram Negative Infection:

Gram-negative bacillary bacteremia (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis, Salmonella, Shigella, and Proteus mirabilis): 20 million to 80 million units per day

Penicillin G is not the drug of choice in the treatment of gram-negative bacillary infections. Other more effective anti-infectives are usually used for the treatment of these infections.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations:
Neonates:
7 days or less:
2000 g or less: 25,000 to 50,000 units/kg IM or IV every 12 hours
Greater than 2000 g: 25,000 to 50,000 units/kg IM or IV every 8 hours

Greater than 7 days:
Less than 1200 g: 25,000 to 50,000 units/kg IM or IV every 12 hours
1200 to 2000 g: 25,000 to 50,000 units/kg IM or IV every 8 hours
Greater than 2000 g: 25,000 to 50,000 units/kg IM or IV every 6 hours

Infants and children:
Mild to moderate infections: 100,000 to 250,000 units/kg/day IM or IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours
Severe infections: 250,000 to 400,000 units/kg/day IM or IV in 4 to 6 divided doses

Maximum dose: 24 million units/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Endocarditis:

Manufacturers recommendation:
Serious infections, such as pneumonia and endocarditis, due to susceptible strains of streptococci (including S pneumoniae) and meningococcus: 150,000 to 300,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

The duration of therapy depends on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:

Manufacturers recommendation:
Serious infections, such as pneumonia and endocarditis, due to susceptible strains of streptococci (including S pneumoniae) and meningococcus: 150,000 to 300,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

The duration of therapy depends on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Streptococcal Infection:

Manufacturers recommendation:
Serious infections, such as pneumonia and endocarditis, due to susceptible strains of streptococci (including S pneumoniae) and meningococcus: 150,000 to 300,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours

The duration of therapy depends on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

Manufacturers recommendation: 250,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Maximum dose: 12 million to 20 million units/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningitis -- Pneumococcal:

Manufacturers recommendation: 250,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Maximum dose: 12 million to 20 million units/day

AAP recommendation:
1 month or older: 250,000 to 400,000 units/kg/day IV in 4 to 6 divided doses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningitis -- Streptococcus Group B:

AAP recommendation:
Neonates 7 days or younger: 250,000 to 450,000 units/kg/day IV in 3 divided doses
Neonates older than 7 days: 450,000 units/kg/day IV in 4 divided doses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Congenital Syphilis:

Less than 1 month (symptomatic neonates and neonates with proven or presumed congenital syphilis): 50,000 units/kg IV every 12 hours during the first 7 days of life and every 8 hours thereafter for 10 days total; if more than 1 day of therapy is missed in patients with proven or highly probable disease, the entire course should be repeated

1 month or older: 50,000 units/kg IV every 4 to 6 hours for 10 days; some clinicians recommend following this regimen with penicillin G benzathine 50,000 units/kg IM once a week for 1 to 3 weeks

Usual Pediatric Dose for Neurosyphilis:

Manufacturers recommendation:
1 month or older: 50,000 units/kg IV every 4 to 6 hours for 10 to 14 days

CDC recommendation:
Adolescents: 3 million to 4 million units IV every 4 hours or 18 million to 24 million units/day as a continuous infusion for 10 to 14 days; many experts recommend additional therapy with penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units IM once a week for up to 3 weeks following completion of IV therapy

Usual Pediatric Dose for Inhalation Bacillus anthracis:

Treatment of penicillin-susceptible anthrax:
As the result of naturally occurring or endemic anthrax exposure:
Children: Some clinicians recommend 100,000 to 150,000 units/kg/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours.

Duration: At least 14 days after symptoms abate

As the result of exposure to B anthracis spores during biologic warfare or bioterrorism:
Children less than 12 years: 50,000 units/kg IV every 6 hours; oral therapy may be substituted once the patient's clinical condition improves

Treatment of inhalation anthrax should be started with a multiple-drug parenteral regimen that includes ciprofloxacin or doxycycline plus 1 or 2 additional antibiotics with activity against the causative organism. A multiple-drug parenteral regimen is also recommended for initial treatment of cutaneous anthrax if there are signs of systemic involvement, extensive edema, or lesions on the head or neck. Due to concerns regarding resistance, penicillin alone is not recommended for inhalation anthrax that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism since high concentrations of the organism are expected, but it can be included in appropriate combination therapies.

Duration: 60 days (including IV and oral therapy)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cutaneous Bacillus anthracis:

Treatment of penicillin-susceptible anthrax:
As the result of naturally occurring or endemic anthrax exposure:
Children: Some clinicians recommend 100,000 to 150,000 units/kg/day in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours.

Duration: At least 14 days after symptoms abate

As the result of exposure to B anthracis spores during biologic warfare or bioterrorism:
Children less than 12 years: 50,000 units/kg IV every 6 hours; oral therapy may be substituted once the patient's clinical condition improves

Treatment of inhalation anthrax should be started with a multiple-drug parenteral regimen that includes ciprofloxacin or doxycycline plus 1 or 2 additional antibiotics with activity against the causative organism. A multiple-drug parenteral regimen is also recommended for initial treatment of cutaneous anthrax if there are signs of systemic involvement, extensive edema, or lesions on the head or neck. Due to concerns regarding resistance, penicillin alone is not recommended for inhalation anthrax that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism since high concentrations of the organism are expected, but it can be included in appropriate combination therapies.

Duration: 60 days (including IV and oral therapy)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diphtheria:

Manufacturers recommendation:
As an adjunct to antitoxin and to prevent carrier state: 150,000 to 250,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days

AAP recommendation:
As an adjunct to antitoxin: 100,000 to 150,000 units/kg/day IV in 4 divided doses for 14 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Rat-bite Fever:

Infections due to S moniliformis (rat-bite fever or Haverhill fever [with endocarditis]) or S minus (rat-bite fever): 150,000 to 250,000 units/kg/day in divided doses every 4 hours for 4 weeks

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lyme Disease -- Neurologic:

Children: 200,000 to 400,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 14 to 28 days
Maximum dose: 18 million to 24 million units/day

Penicillin G is recommended as an alternative to IV ceftriaxone or IV cefotaxime for patients with early Lyme disease who have acute neurologic disease manifested by meningitis or radiculopathy. It is also recommended as an alternative for patients with late Lyme disease and associated neurologic disease affecting the CNS or peripheral nerve disease (e.g., neuropathy, encephalopathy) and documented by CSF analysis. Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lyme Disease -- Carditis:

Third-degree AV heart block or a PR interval exceeding 0.3 seconds during early Lyme disease:
Children: 200,000 to 400,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours for 14 to 21 days
Maximum dose: 18 million to 24 million units/day

Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lyme Disease -- Arthritis:

Children: 200,000 to 400,000 units/kg/day IV in divided doses every 4 hours for 14 to 28 days
Maximum dose: 18 million to 24 million units/day

Penicillin G is recommended as an alternative to IV ceftriaxone or IV cefotaxime for patients with late Lyme disease who have arthritis and objective proof of neurologic disease. It is also recommended as an alternative for patients with persistent or recurrent arthritis after oral treatment; IV therapy is only recommended in those patients whose arthritis showed no improvement or worsened. Ceftriaxone is considered the parenteral drug of choice.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gonococcal Infection -- Disseminated:

Penicillin-susceptible strains:
Less than 45 kg:
Arthritis: 100,000 units/kg/day in 4 divided doses for 7 to 10 days
Meningitis: 250,000 units/kg/day in divided doses every 4 hours for 10 to 14 days
Endocarditis: 250,000 units/kg/day in divided doses every 4 hours for 4 weeks

45 kg or more:
Arthritis, meningitis, endocarditis: 10 million units/day in 4 divided doses; duration depends on the type of infection

Due to resistance, penicillin G is not recommended by the CDC. Ceftriaxone is the drug of choice.


What other drugs will affect penicillin G potassium?


Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • aspirin or indomethacin (Indocin);




  • birth control pills;




  • methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall(;




  • probenecid (Benemid);




  • an antibiotic such as chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin);




  • a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix) or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);




  • sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others); or




  • a tetracycline antibiotic, such as doxycycline (Doryx, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with penicillin G potassium. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More penicillin G potassium resources


  • Penicillin G potassium Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Penicillin G potassium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Penicillin G potassium Drug Interactions
  • Penicillin G potassium Support Group
  • 11 Reviews for Penicillin G potassium - Add your own review/rating


  • Penicillin G Potassium MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Pfizerpen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Pfizerpen Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information



Compare penicillin G potassium with other medications


  • Actinomycosis
  • Anthrax
  • Anthrax Prophylaxis
  • Aspiration Pneumonia
  • Bacterial Infection
  • Clostridial Infection
  • Congenital Syphilis
  • Cutaneous Bacillus anthracis
  • Deep Neck Infection
  • Diphtheria
  • Endocarditis
  • Fusospirochetosis, Trench Mouth
  • Joint Infection
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lyme Disease, Arthritis
  • Lyme Disease, Carditis
  • Lyme Disease, Erythema Chronicum Migrans
  • Lyme Disease, Neurologic
  • Meningitis
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal
  • Neurosyphilis
  • Otitis Media
  • Pneumonia
  • Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease
  • Rat-bite Fever
  • Rheumatic Fever Prophylaxis
  • Skin Infection
  • Strep Throat
  • Syphilis, Early
  • Syphilis, Latent
  • Tertiary Syphilis
  • Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about penicillin G potassium.

See also: penicillin G potassium side effects (in more detail)


No comments:

Post a Comment