Surgery Drugs

Question 1

Benzylpenicillin IV
(Penicillin G) dosing

Answer 1

Mild to Mod infections
0.6 - 1.2g every 4 hours

Endocarditis:
1.2g every 4 hours

Meningitis
2.4g every 4 hours

Question 2

Benzylpenicillin IV
(Penicillin G) indications + mechanism

Answer 2

Susceptible infections:
Strep. Pneumoniae
Binds to specific penicillin binding proteins inside the cell wall. Pen G inhibits third and last stage of wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by autolytic enzymes (autolysins).

Question 3

Benzylpenicillin IV

(Penicillin G) Contra-indications

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity /
Rash after penicillin administration

Cross-sensitivity with cephalosporins (prefix CEF – Cefalexin)

Question 4

Benzylpenicillin IV

(Penicillin G) Adverse effects

Answer 4

Diarrhoea
Thrombocytopaenia
Vomiting
Nausea
Skin reactions
Fever

Question 5

Benzylpenicillin IV

(Penicillin G) Monitoring

Answer 5

Hypernatremia
Hypokalaemia
Renal function: Can cause cerebral irritation, convulsions, coma.
Blood counts