Introduction

Penicillin G Benzathine (pen-i-SIL-in G BEN-za-theen), Penicillin G Procaine (pen-i-SIL-in G PROE-kane)

Treats or helps prevent infections caused by certain types of bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Bicillin C-R 900/300, Bicillin CR 900/300, Bicillin C-R

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to penicillin or procaine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose, and how often you should receive this medicine. If you will need more than one dose of this medicine, be sure to receive it for the full treatment time, even if you feel better. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using your antibiotic medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, 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.

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 also taking tetracycline or probenecid (Benemid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a history of asthma or hay fever. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor, cephalexin, Ceftin®, or Keflex®. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies you have to medicine, food, or other substances.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.

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.
• Arm or leg that suddenly turns pale, cold, or blue after your injection.
• Diarrhea, or blood in your stool.
• Discomfort or trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Lasting redness or severe pain, peeling skin, or a lump at the injection site.
• New changes in hearing or vision.
• New swelling, rash, or peeling skin anywhere on the body.
• Sudden or severe headache, numbness, tingling, weakness, or trouble with movement.
• Seizures (convulsions).
• Shortness of breath, tiredness, uneven or fast heartbeat, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Trouble thinking clearly, hallucinations (sensing things that are not there), or an extreme change in your behavior.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

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

• Fever, shaking, chills, sweating, cough, body aches, sore throat, or swollen glands.
• Headache, joint pain, back pain, or muscle pain.
• Mood changes such as anxiety or depression.
• White patches in your mouth or throat, vaginal itching, or unusual vaginal discharge.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088