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Benzyl Penicillin

About these monographs

Category:

Infection

 

Description:

Broad spectrum beta lactam antibiotic

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Indications:

Suspected meningococcal septicaemia, Neisseria gonorrhoea, bacterial endocarditis, aspiration pneumonia, cellulitis

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Mechanism of Action:

Inhibits bacteria cell wall synthesis in susceptible gram positive bacteria

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Pharmacokinetics:

Route: IV/IM

Onset: 2-4 hours

Peak Effects:12-24 hours

Duration: Up to 48 hours

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Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to penicillins

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Adverse Effects:

Allergic reactions, diarrhoea, discomfort or pain at injection site

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Precautions and Facts:

Can be combined with lignocaine to reduce injection site pain. Is not effective against organisms that have established resistance to penicillins. May also be called Pen G. Rapid IV push may lead to seizures.

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Presentation:

600 mg or 1.2 gram vial to be reconstituted in 1-10 mL NS or sterile water

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Dosages:

Route: IV/IM

Age: 10 years to Adult

Initial Dose: 1,200 mg

Dose Intervals: Single dose

Volume/Dilution: Dilute to 3 mL for IM, Dilute as appropriate for IV

Note: It is permissible to double the dose in clear cases of meningococcal septicaemia, therefore the Adult dose would be 2.4 g

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Route: IM

Age: 1-9 years

Initial Dose: 600 mg

Dose Intervals: Single dose

Volume/Dilution: Dilute to 1 mL for IM, Dilute as appropriate for IV

Note: It is permissible to double the dose in clear cases of meningococcal septicaemia, therefore the Adult dose would be 1.2 g

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Route: IM

Age: <1 year

Initial Dose: 300 mg

Dose Intervals: Single dose

Volume/Dilution: Dilute to 1 mL for IM, Dilute as appropriate for IV

Note: It is permissible to double the dose in clear cases of meningococcal septicaemia, therefore the Adult dose would be 600 mg

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Cite as: Maria, S., Colbeck, M., & Caffey, M. (Eds.). (2020). Benzyl Penicillin. In Paramedic & Emergency Pharmacology Guidelines (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Pearson.

This book is for information purposes only and is designed as a general reference for paramedics, students and healthcare professionals  No responsibility will be taken for inaccuracies, omissions or errors  The authors do not accept liability to any person or organization for the information that may result in loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance upon the material in this guide While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this text is up to date, accurate and in accordance with current clinical recommendations and practice, the dynamic nature of healthcare and pharmaceutical information requires any student or health professional to exercise independent clinical judgement when referring, using or providing information from this book

 

A body of evidence for the development of this guide has been collected by the authors to support the pharmacokinetics, indication, contraindications, adverse effects and dosage behind each medication  This body reflects information provided by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, Monthly Index of Medical Specialities, the United States’ Food and Drug Administration, and both peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials demonstrating the approved efficacy, usage and current understanding of each medication  Additionally, the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and each state ambulance service’s clinical practice guidelines in Australia and New Zealand were reviewed and applied in order to maximize the clinical application of this reference guide  Lastly, this guide’s information is not endorsed, nor does it reflect preferences by any particular pharmaceutical company or ambulance service as this reference was compiled only to the most current and universal information available from the above listed, publicly available resources

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