Drug Notes

Benzylpenicilloyl polylysine (By injection)

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine (ben-zil-pen-i-SIL-oh-il pol-ee-LYE-seen)

Used to test for penicillin allergy.

Brand Name(s):

Pre-Pen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• The nurse will make a small scratch on your arm and apply the medicine. If there is no reaction after 15 minutes, you will receive an injection under your skin. A reaction is any itching, redness, or swelling where the medicine was applied.
• For the intradermal injection (under your skin), a small amount of medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin. If there is an allergy, you should see a reaction within 5 to 15 minutes.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for allergies, such as diphenhydramine. Also tell your doctor if you are using an antiinflammatory medicine, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Skin pain, redness, or itching at the site of the test

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017