Benzylpenicillin
About
Benzylpenicillin belongs to the group of medication called 'antibiotics' used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye, ear, prostate, urinary tract, anthrax, pneumonia, gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted disease), skin/soft tissues infection, scarlet fever, and meningitis (brain infection). Benzylpenicillin does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu. It is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that is only used to treat certain bacterial infections.
Benzylpenicillin contains 'Benzylpenicillin' which is a long-acting penicillin antibiotic. It inhibits the process of cell wall synthesis in a bacterial cell required for its survival. Thus, Benzylpenicillin kills bacteria and prevents the growth of bacterial infection. Benzylpenicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, or vomiting, pain at the injection site. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Before starting Benzylpenicillin, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Benzylpenicillin as it causes increased dizziness. Benzylpenicillin may cause dizziness and vision problems, so be cautious while driving. Many patients taking Benzylpenicillin have reported diarrhoea as a side effect; however, there is a rare chance of a severe form called C difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) which can cause deadly bowel problems. Consult your doctor right away, if you notice have watery, bloody stools, stomach pain, cramps, or very loose.
Uses of Benzylpenicillin
Medicinal Benefits
Benzylpenicillin belongs to the group of antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye, ear, prostate, urinary tract including anthrax, mild infections of the skin and soft tissues, scarlet fever (a red rash accompanied by a sore throat and a red tongue), rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease which can cause damage to the skin, joints or heart), chorea (uncontrollable, jerky movements) pneumonia, gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted disease), strep infections, and meningitis. It works by killing the bacteria by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) present inside the bacteria's cell wall. It also inhibits the synthesis of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). An enzyme called DNA gyrase plays a key role in this process.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benzylpenicillin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain at the injection site
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Benzylpenicillin if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you had swelling or tearing of tendons while taking quinolone antibiotics. Benzylpenicillin is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture and tendonitis at all age groups; this risk is higher in patients older than 60 years, are taking corticosteroids, have had kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation while taking Benzylpenicillin. Do not take Benzylpenicillin if you have myasthenia gravis as it may cause increased muscle weakness. Talk to your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you have epilepsy, low levels of potassium, nervous or muscle problems, head injury or brain tumour, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart, kidney, or liver problems. Avoid consuming caffeine products along with Benzylpenicillin as it might increase the effects of caffeine. Avoid dairy products such as milk and yoghurt while taking Benzylpenicillin as they might decrease the effectiveness of Benzylpenicillin. Maintain a minimum gap of two hours between Benzylpenicillin and antacid, anti-ulcer (sucralfate), anti-HIV (didanosine), vitamin and mineral medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Benzylpenicillin as it may cause increased dizziness. Benzylpenicillin may cause dizziness and vision problems, so be cautious while driving.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benzylpenicillin may have interaction with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen), anti-coagulant/blood thinner (warfarin), anti-gout (probenecid), antibiotic (azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin), and calcium supplements (calcium/vitamin D).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid dairy products such as milk and yoghurt while taking Benzylpenicillin as they might decrease the effectiveness of Benzylpenicillin. Multivitamins and multiminerals should not be consumed along with Benzylpenicillin; maintain a minimum gap of two hours between both. Avoid consuming caffeine products along with Benzylpenicillin as it might increase the effects of caffeine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Benzylpenicillin may have interactions with colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), tendonitis (inflammation in tendons), CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), crystalluria (cloudy urine), diabetes, kidney, liver and heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Benzylpenicillin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionBenzylpenicillin belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Benzylpenicillin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Benzylpenicillin passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionBenzylpenicillin may cause dizziness and vision problems. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Benzylpenicillin.
Children
unsafeBenzylpenicillin should not be given to children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which helps indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto, and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas, and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit, and grapefruit juice as they might hinder antibiotics' absorption.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- Benzylpenicillin may cause changes in liver function tests and prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting). So, inform the person before undergoing the diagnostic tests that you are taking Benzylpenicillin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Many patients taking Benzylpenicillin have reported diarrhoea as a side effect; however, there are rare chances of a severe form called C difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) which can cause deadly bowel problems. Consult your doctor right away if you notice have watery, bloody stools, stomach pain, cramps, or very loose.
Benzylpenicillin works by killing the bacteria by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) present inside the bacteria's cell wall. It also inhibits the synthesis of bacterial genetic material and an enzyme called DNA gyrase required for the survival of the bacterial cell.
Benzylpenicillin may cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) and can make you sunburn easily. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Always wear protective clothing and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going out.
It is recommended to complete the course of Benzylpenicillin even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Benzylpenicillin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Avoid consuming dairy products such as milk and yogurt for at least 3 hours after taking Benzylpenicillin as they can decrease the effectiveness of Benzylpenicillin.
Do not take Benzylpenicillin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Avoid taking antacids or anti-ulcer medicines along with Benzylpenicillin. Maintain a minimum gap of at least two hours between both antacid and antibiotic time of intake.
Do not take vitamin or mineral supplements containing zinc/iron and Benzylpenicillin to avoid drug interaction. However, if the doctor has prescribed, you maintain a minimum gap of at least two hours between both.
Consult your doctor before taking Benzylpenicillin if you have diabetes as Benzylpenicillin causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Regularly monitor blood sugar levels while taking Benzylpenicillin to avoid hypoglycaemic events.
Benzylpenicillin may cause changes in liver function tests (LFT) and prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Benzylpenicillin before undergoing any planned diagnostic tests.
