Description
Uses and indications
- Procaine penicillin injection is FDA-approved for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Its specific indications are:
- Streptococcal infections: moderate to severe strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas, and skin and soft tissue infections (group A without bacteremia).
- Pneumococcal pneumonia: moderately severe (uncomplicated) cases. (Severe cases, such as meningitis, are treated with other forms of penicillin.)
- Syphilis: all stages caused by susceptible Treponema pallidum (Note: some combination products such as Bicillin C-R are not recommended for treating syphilis in the United States because of insufficient penicillin G benzathine content; refer to the specific product labeling).
- Anthrax: cutaneous anthrax and post-exposure inhalational anthrax, in addition to antitoxin.
- Diphtheria: adjunctive treatment to antitoxin for treatment and for preventing asymptomatic carriage. Other infections: Vincent’s infection (fusospirochetosis), erysipeloid and rat-bite fever.
- It is important to note that this medicine is ineffective against viral infections (such as flu or colds) and against penicillinase-producing bacteria (penicillinase is an enzyme that makes them resistant to penicillin).
Important precautions and adverse effects
- The injection must be given by a healthcare professional and must never be given intravenously (IV) or into an artery, as this can cause serious neurovascular damage, including paralysis.
- Allergic reactions: serious, even fatal, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may occur. Symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, throat or tongue. Tell your doctor about any history of allergy, especially to penicillins or cephalosporins.
- Procaine reactions: procaine can cause immediate toxic reactions in some people, especially with high doses or accidental injection into a blood vessel. Symptoms may include anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and a feeling of impending death, usually temporary.
- Common side effects: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness are among the most common and least serious side effects.
- Diarrhea: Severe diarrhea with blood in the stools may occur during treatment or even several months afterwards. It requires immediate medical care, as it may be a sign of pseudomembranous colitis.
