Penicillin G sodium (Injection)

Introduction:

Penicillin G Sodium (pen-i-SIL-in G SOE-dee-um)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the medicine out of the refrigerator one hour before using it to allow it to warm to room temperature.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other antibiotic medicines (such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Chloromycetin®, Chloroptic®, Cotrim®, E.E.S.®, E-Mycin®, Ery-tab®, or Septra®) or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Edecrin®, Esidrix®, HydroDiuril®, Lasix®, Microzide®, or Oretic®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using aspirin (Ecotrin®), indomethacin (Indocin®), phenylbutazone, or probenecid (Benemid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, a history of allergies, kidney disease, or heart disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Confusion, irregular heartbeat.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash, itching, or redness.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Stomach pain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: