Penicillin Gk 5mu Inj, 1 Vial
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
In the event that you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start to feel better, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Report any signs of allergic reaction immediately, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Penicillin Vk 125mg/5ml Soln 100ml
- Penicillin Vk 125mg/5ml Soln 200ml
- Penicillin G Sodium 5 Million Units
- Penicillin Vk 250mg/5ml Soln 100ml
- Penicillin Vk 250mg/5ml Soln 200ml
- Penicillin Gk 5mu Inj, 1 Vial
- Penicillin Gk 20mu Inj, 1 Vial
- Penicillin Vk 250mg Tablets
- Penicillin Vk 500mg Tablets
- Penicillin Gk 5mu Inj, 1 Vial
- Penicillin Vk 500mg Tablets
- Penicillin Vk 250mg Tablets
- Penicillin Vk 250mg Tablets
- Penicillin Gk 20mu Inj, 1 Vial
- Penicillin Gk 20mu Inj, 1 Vial
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Note: In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Chest pain or pressure
Headache
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Flushing
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Muscle or joint pain
Stomach pain
Twitching
Seizures
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, bloody, or watery (see below for more information on diarrhea)
Important Information About Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. However, in rare cases, a severe form of diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) can occur. CDAD can happen during or several months after taking antibiotics and may lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea (especially if it is bloody or watery), contact your doctor immediately. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.
Additional Side Effects to Discuss with Your Doctor:
If you receive this medication via injection into a muscle, be aware that nerve damage can occur if the injection is given into or near a nerve. This can result in long-lasting symptoms. If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness, contact your doctor right away.
Other Possible Side Effects:
Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Mouth irritation or mouth sores
Change in tongue color
* Irritation at the injection site
Reporting Side Effects:
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if bloody or watery
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fever, chills, or sore throat that doesn't improve
- Seizures or confusion
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications:
+ Chloramphenicol
+ Erythromycin
+ Sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
+ Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)
If you are unsure about any of these medications, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
Share information about your health problems, as they may affect the safety of taking this medication.
* Always check with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication to ensure safe use and minimize potential interactions.
Precautions & Cautions
Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment, as this may increase the risk of a second infection. High doses of this medication can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
If you have diabetes and regularly test your urine glucose levels, discuss with your doctor which testing methods are most suitable for you while taking this medication. Additionally, inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug, as it may affect the results of certain lab tests.
If you are following a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, consult your doctor to ensure safe management of your condition. Be aware that this medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious conditions that may also affect internal organs. These reactions can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.
When administering this medication to newborns, exercise caution, as the risk of side effects may be higher in this population. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, confusion, myoclonus, hyperreflexia)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia with potassium salt)
- Renal dysfunction
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control). Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis may be effective in removing penicillin G from the blood in severe cases.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity due to competition for renal tubular secretion)
- Tetracyclines (may antagonize bactericidal effect of penicillin G)
Moderate Interactions
- Probenecid (decreases renal tubular secretion of penicillin G, increasing serum levels and prolonging half-life)
- Oral contraceptives (may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives, though evidence is weak)
- Warfarin (potential for increased INR, monitor closely)
- Aminoglycosides (physical incompatibility in solution, administer separately; potential for synergistic effect in vivo)
Minor Interactions
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine; may reduce efficacy)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To confirm susceptibility of causative organism to penicillin G.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: Penicillin G is primarily renally eliminated; dose adjustment may be necessary in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To identify prior hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactams.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure or resistance.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or more often in renal impairment)
Target: Within patient's baseline or acceptable limits
Action Threshold: Significant increase may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or more often with high doses)
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Hyperkalemia (with high doses of potassium salt) or hypokalemia (with sodium salt) may require intervention.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly for prolonged therapy)
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or hemolytic anemia may occur.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever)
- Signs of neurotoxicity (seizures, confusion, myoclonus, especially with high doses or renal impairment)
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Penicillin G is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B). It has been widely used without evidence of fetal harm.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Penicillin G is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (L2).
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and varies significantly by age group (neonates, infants, children, adolescents). Close monitoring for adverse effects, especially neurotoxicity at high doses, is important. Neonates and infants have immature renal function, requiring careful dose adjustment.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may have reduced renal function, requiring dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance. They may also be more susceptible to adverse effects, including neurotoxicity and electrolyte imbalances, especially with high doses.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always inquire about penicillin allergy before administration. A history of mild rash may not contraindicate use, but anaphylaxis is an absolute contraindication.
- Penicillin G potassium contains a significant amount of potassium (1.7 mEq/million units), which should be considered in patients with renal impairment or those receiving potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Penicillin G sodium contains a significant amount of sodium (2.8 mEq/million units), which should be considered in patients on sodium-restricted diets or with heart failure.
- High doses, especially in patients with renal impairment, can lead to neurotoxicity (e.g., seizures, myoclonus). Monitor closely.
- Administer IV doses slowly to avoid rapid electrolyte shifts or irritation.
- Not effective against beta-lactamase producing bacteria.
Alternative Therapies
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Cephalexin (for susceptible organisms)
- Ceftriaxone (for susceptible organisms, e.g., syphilis, meningitis)
- Vancomycin (for penicillin-allergic patients or resistant organisms)