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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using penicillin G sodium ()?

You should not use 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 cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others.

To make sure you can safely use penicillin G sodium, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• asthma or a history of allergies;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Penicillin G sodium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is penicillin G sodium given ()?

Penicillin G sodium is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an injection at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Penicillin G sodium is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Shake the mixture well before you measure a dose. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Penicillin G sodium will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you use this medication long-term, your blood may need to be tested to make sure the medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

This medication can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using penicillin G sodium.

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

Store unmixed medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

After mixing penicillin G sodium with a diluent, store in the refrigerator and use it within 3 days. Do not freeze.

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