Benzyl Penicillin

Question 1

What is the generic name of Benzyl Penicillin

Answer 1

Benzylpenicillin Sodium

Question 2

What type of medication is benzyl penicillin?

Answer 2

A narrow spectrum antibiotic.

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of benzyl penicillin?

Answer 3

Bactericidal; Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and causes cytolysis when the bacterium tries to divide.

Benzyl Penicillin (Penicillin G) is bactericidal. Penicillin binds to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, penicillin G inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis (death) is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysis(1).

(1) Autolysis is initiated by the cells’ lysosomes releasing digestive enzymes into the cytoplasm. These enzymes are released due to the cessation of active processes in the cell, not as an active process.

Question 4

What is the route, onset, peak and duration of Benzyl Penicillin?

Answer 4

• Route: IV/IO/IM
  
  • Onset:N/A
  • Peak: N/A
  • Duration: N/A

Question 5

What are the NSW Ambulance uses of Benzyl Penicillin?

Answer 5

Meningoccal Septicaemia

Question 6

What are the adverse effects of Benzyl Pencillin?

Answer 6

• Hypersensitivity reactions rarely occur (including urticaria, angio-oedema, convulsions and anaphylaxis).

Question 7

What are the contraindications of Benzyl Pencillin?

Answer 7

Life threatening allergic reaction to Benzyl Penicillin.

Question 8

What is the preparation and dosage of Benzyl Penicillin?

Answer 8

• Preparation: 600mg as a powder.
  
  • IV/IO: Dissolve 600mg in 10mL NaCl
  • IM: Dissolve 600mg in 2mL NaCl
• Dosage:
  
  • < 1: 300mg
    
    • Repeat: Nil
    • Max Total Dose: 300mg
  • 1 - <10: 600mg
    
    • Repeat: Nil
    • Max Total Dose: 600mg
  • 10 or over: 1200mg
    
    • Repeat: Nil
    • Max Total Dose: 1200mg