Penicillin G (Penicillin G potassium) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.For the treatment of pneumonia, strep throat, staphylococcal infections, diphtheria, meningitis, gonorrhea and syphilis.For people with certain heart conditions, heart valve infections can be prevented before dental surgery.
Part of a class of antibiotics called “natural penicillins,” penicillin G acts directly on bacteria in the body and kills these pathogens by weakening their cell walls.Named Pfizer.
Penicillin G is an antibiotic that fights many bacteria and is effective against infections caused by some forms of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and many others.
Important considerations include the severity of the case and the specific type of bacteria involved.After evaluating symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider may perform a number of different tests to determine the nature and extent of the problem:
Take a sample from saliva, blood, or tissue for microscopic examination.This method cannot provide definitive identification of specific bacterial strains, but it can be used to rapidly classify a broader class of pathogens.
Samples are taken from saliva, blood or body tissue and placed in specialized broth or agar plates to allow them to survive and reproduce.Further biochemical testing can lead to definitive identification.After initial identification, antibiotics can be applied to samples to see if they are effective against the strain.
Darkfield identification uses ultraviolet (UV) light to evaluate specimens through a microscope.Using a dark background, viewing bacteria from the side rather than the back of the slide enables healthcare providers to examine the structure of pathogen cells.
This can be combined with fluorescence microscopy, which is effective in identifying strains of syphilis and tuberculosis.
Available in commercial kits, antigen tests are used on body fluids to provide rapid results.Depending on the specific disease suspected, urine, throat swabs, or cerebrospinal fluid may be used.
Nucleic acid probes are specialized molecules used to detect bacteria in body fluids or other samples.The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) aids identification by making copies of existing bacterial genetic material in a sample.
This method involves assessing certain chemical interactions within serum.Healthcare providers look for signs of the body’s immune response to bacteria, which can help pinpoint specific infections.
Once the bacterial strain is properly identified, the doctor will need to weigh several other factors before prescribing penicillin G treatment.As with any medication, some patients may not be the best candidates for this approach due to medical conditions or other medications they are taking.
As a patient, it is absolutely critical to provide your healthcare provider with a complete record of your medical history and a list of every prescription or over-the-counter drug, vitamin, or supplement you are taking.That way they can better come up with safe and effective treatments.
Penicillin G is part of a class of drugs called natural penicillins.These were the first antibiotic drugs developed and were derivatives of natural compounds.
The dose of penicillin G you take will depend on the specific condition you are being treated for, your medical condition, and many other factors.Usually, this drug is given in divided doses, scheduled every four to six hours, although some conditions may require a different course of treatment.
Some infections treated with penicillin G are fairly common, while others are very rare.
Remember, the specific dose you will take is based on these guidelines, but ultimately depends on your healthcare provider; what works for you may not work for someone else.
The dose of penicillin G needs to be adjusted for pediatric patients and patients with severe kidney problems.For children, the necessary dose is calculated based on the child’s weight, and if the recommended dose is less than 1 million units per day, the child’s doctor may consider alternatives.
Serious infections with Streptococcus/meningococcus: Pneumonia, endocarditis, and other serious infections caused by streptococcus and meningococcal strains, 150,000 to 300,000 units per kilogram (kg) of body weight in equal doses every 4 to 6 hours per day (approximately 2.2 pounds per kilogram).Duration will vary from case to case.
Meningitis caused by pneumococcus/meningococcus: When these bacteria spread to the meninges, take 250,000 units/kg/day in equal doses every 4 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition.The daily dose should not exceed 12 to 20 million units.
Transmission of gonococcal infection: For children weighing less than 45 kg, the dose depends on the infected body system.
Congenital syphilis: 200,000 to 300,000 units/kg/day in four hourly divided doses for children after the neonatal period with syphilis (obtained from the mother during pregnancy).Usually, this therapy lasts 10 to 14 days.
Diphtheria: As adjunctive therapy to an antitoxin used to fight this infection and/or prevent becoming a carrier, it is recommended to take an equal dose of 150,000 to 250,000 units/kg/day every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Haverhill/Bite Fever: In these cases, the indicated dose is 150,000 to 250,000 units/kg/day in equal doses every four hours for four weeks.
Creatinine clearance is a measure of kidney function.If this number is above 10 mL/min, it indicates underlying kidney disease, and the full dose is supported by additional half doses every four to five hours (as shown above).
Penicillin G comes in liquid form and is most often administered intravenously or by injection.This is usually done in a hospital, but in some cases you can take it at home.
In both cases, your healthcare provider has already determined the necessary dose, so you just need to follow any given schedule and procedure.Especially if you are using this antibiotic at home, pay careful attention to your doctor’s instructions on care and administration, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
If you take this medication at home, you may receive it in one of two forms – as a powder that needs to be mixed or as a premixed solution.
What if I accidentally eat too much?If you overdose on penicillin G, you may experience a range of symptoms, including agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.This is a medical emergency, so seek medical attention promptly.
Finally, if you find yourself missing a dose, take your normal dose as soon as possible.That said, if it’s almost time for your next dose, you can skip it and go back to your schedule.Never try to double on these.
As with all medicines, patients taking penicillin G may experience a range of common and more serious side effects.If you develop severe symptoms, let your healthcare provider know about your side effects and seek medical attention right away.Some adverse reactions are medical emergencies.
If you take penicillin G, you may experience any of the following side effects:
By far the most serious adverse reaction to penicillin G is severe anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
As mentioned earlier, the most serious adverse reaction to penicillin G is anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.These reactions may be immediate, with symptoms appearing within 20 minutes of dosing, or you may experience delayed reactions within one to two weeks.
The effectiveness of this drug may also be affected by other drugs or chemicals present in your system.In fact, many drugs and substances are known to interact with this drug in some way.The most common of these are:
The good news for many patients is that there are no dietary restrictions when taking this drug, and adults can enjoy alcohol responsibly.To ensure the full efficacy of this treatment, make sure to stick to your prescription as much as possible; do not stop taking penicillin G without your healthcare provider’s approval, and let them know about your progres.
Doron S, Gorbach S. Bacterial infections: an overview.International Encyclopedia of Public Health.2008:273-282.
Post time: Jul-06-2022