benzathine benzylpenicillin

Forms and strengths, route of administration

– Powder for injection in vials of:

• 2.4 MIU (1.8 g), to be dissolved in 8 ml of water for injection, for IM injectionNEVER FOR IV INJECTION NOR INFUSION

Dosage

– SyphilisChild: 50 000 IU (37.5 mg)/kg per injection (max. 2.4 MIU or 1.8 g per injection)Adult: 2.4 MIU (1.8 g) per injection

– Yaws, bejel, pintaChild under 10 years: 1.2 MIU (900 mg) per injectionChild 10 years and over and adult: 2.4 MIU (1.8 g) per injection

– Streptococcal tonsillitis, prophylaxis of diphtheria, prophylaxis of rheumatic feverChild under 30 kg: 600 000 IU (450 mg) per injectionChild 30 kg and over and adult: 1.2 IU (900 mg) per injection

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

–Do not administer to penicillin-allergic patients.– Administer with caution to patients allergic to cephalosporins (cross-sensitivity may occur) and renal impairment (reduce dosage).– May cause:

• gastroinstestinal disturbances, pain at injection site, allergic reactions sometimes severe;

• Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (fever, chills, myalgia, tachycardia) in patients with syphilis;

• convulsions in the event of high dosages or renal impairment;

• symptoms of shock with neuropsychiatric disorders if accidentally injected intravascularly.

– Ensure that the IM injection does not enter a blood vessel.

– Do not combine with methotrexate.

– Pregnancy: no contra-indication

– Breast-feeding: no contra-indication