Also known as penicillin G sodium
Trade name
BenPen
Presentation and preparation
For IV and IM administration:
|
Vial size
(powder volume) |
Fluid to add
|
Volume to add
|
Resulting concentration
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 mg (0.4 mL) |
Water for injections | 1.6 mL | 300 mg/mL |
| 1.2 g (0.8 mL) |
Water for injections | 3.2 mL | 300 mg/mL |
| 3 g (2 mL) |
Water for injections | 8 mL | 300 mg/mL |
Reconstitute to 300 mg/mL for IV and IM administration.
Benzylpenicillin 600 mg is equivalent to 1 000 000 (1 million) units.
IV administration
Dilute to 60 mg/mL or weaker and give over at least 15 minutes.
Doses equal to or greater than 50 mg/kg: Give over at least 30 minutes.
Doses greater than 1.2 g: Give over at least 30 minutes.
Concentrations of up to 90 mg/mL have been used.
In an emergency, initial doses may be administered over at least 15 minutes. See Additional Information.
CoPAT Administration:
Reconstitute each 3 g vial with 8.2 mL of sodium citrate 4% buffer (reconstituted vial concentration: 300 mg/mL). Further dilute to 15 to 60 mg/mL with sodium chloride 0.9%. Stable at 15 to 60 mg/mL for 24 hours at 37°C.
Other routes of administration
IV is the preferred route in neonates and infants where possible.
IM: Suitable. Give reconstituted solution undiluted by deep IM injection into the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock. If appropriate, may be diluted to 60 mg/mL or weaker to reduce pain.
SC: Not recommended.
Compatible IV fluids
Benzylpenicillin 60 mg/mL or weaker:
Glucose 5%
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Y-site only:
Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L
Y-site only and benzylpenicillin 48 mg/mL or weaker:
Plasma-Lyte 148
Additional information
Rapid administration of large doses may cause electrolyte imbalance and seizures.
IV aminoglycoside antibiotics are inactivated by IV cephalosporins, penicillins and teicoplanin; refer to Glossary and Notes.
Use immediately after reconstitution. Discard any remaining vial contents.
Protect from light during storage.