Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Bicillin L-A

Generic Name: penicillin G benzathine (Pronunciation: PEN i SILL in G BEN za theen)

• What is penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• What are the possible side effects of penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• What is the most important information I should know about penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• How is penicillin G benzathine given (Bicillin L-A)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Bicillin L-A)?
• What happens if I overdose (Bicillin L-A)?
• What should I avoid while receiving penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• What other drugs will affect penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?

Penicillin G benzathine is a slow-onset antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.

Penicillin G benzathine is used to treat many different types of severe infections, including strep infections, rheumatic fever, and syphilis.

Penicillin G benzathine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, muscle or joint pain, night sweats, general ill feeling;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• skin rash with bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, weakness;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, ringing in your ears, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions);
• pain, swelling, bruising, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given; or
• hardening of your skin in the thigh where the injection was given, trouble bending your knee.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• blurred vision;
• dizziness; or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, Keflex, and others.

Before you receive penicillin G benzathine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or a history of allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease.

Be sure to receive all doses your doctor has prescribed. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared.

After you have finished your treatment with penicillin G benzathine, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.

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