Drug Notes

Penicillin G sodium (By injection)

Penicillin G Sodium (pen-i-SIL-in G SOE-dee-um)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the medicine out of the refrigerator one hour before using it to allow it to warm to room temperature.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other antibiotic medicines (such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Chloromycetin®, Chloroptic®, Cotrim®, E.E.S.®, E-Mycin®, Ery-tab®, or Septra®) or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Edecrin®, Esidrix®, HydroDiuril®, Lasix®, Microzide®, or Oretic®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using aspirin (Ecotrin®), indomethacin (Indocin®), phenylbutazone, or probenecid (Benemid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, a history of allergies, kidney disease, or heart disease.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

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
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Confusion, irregular heartbeat.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Mild skin rash, itching, or redness.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Stomach pain.

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