Benzathine penicillin was approved for medical use in 1950 and was added to the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines to treat specific bacterial infections.

Benzylpenicillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic used to treat erysipelas (skin infection), syphilis, and tropical infectious skin diseases caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a specific form of kidney inflammation).

Benzathine penicillin is available as an injection with the strength of 2.4MIU for intramuscular use only (injected directly into your muscle). Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

Serious side effects of benzathine penicillin may include anaphylactic shock, characterized by severe allergic reactions such as itching, flushed or pale skin, a rapid pulse, stomach upset, and fainting. On a more common note, individuals taking benzathine penicillin may experience fungal infections, diarrhea, nausea, and changes in certain medical test results. It's important to be vigilant for signs of anaphylactic shock and promptly seek medical attention if observed.

It is not recommended to take benzathine penicillin if you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics. You need to inform your physician if you have liver disorders, kidney disorders, asthma, or if you are allergic to peanuts or soya before taking a benzathine penicillin injection. Before starting this treatment, give a detailed overview of your medical history and current medications.

When using benzathine penicillin, exercise caution and inform your doctor if you are pregnant, as its safety is determined after weighing the benefits and risks. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment, and inform your doctor about any lung diseases or severe liver disorders. Alcohol interaction may alter its therapeutic effect, and it is advised to avoid driving due to the potential serious side effects. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance on these precautions.

If prescribed benzathine penicillin for a bacterial infection, take it as directed to prevent drug resistance. Missing doses may compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. Complete the full course even if you start feeling better and maintaining a balance in stomach bacteria by including probiotic-rich foods and high-fiber foods. Avoid calcium-rich foods, grapefruit, and alcohol during the course. Before undergoing any diagnostic tests, inform your healthcare provider about your treatment with this medicine, as benzathine penicillin may impact liver function tests and prothrombin time.

1. Brancaster Pharma Limited, Electronic medicines compendium, [Revised on July 2019] [Accessed on Nov 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11043/pil
2. King Pharmaceuticals, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on August 2012] [Accessed on Nov 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/050141s237lbl.pdf
3. Gartlan WA, et al., Benzathine Penicillin, StatPearls Publishing; Published on 14/05/2023; Accessed on 29/11/2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507723/
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Penicillins, cephalosporins, and other beta-lactam antibiotics, 12th edition, 2011, 1485.
5. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Beta-lactam antibiotics, 7th edition, 2013, 720.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.