Category:

• Antibiotic

Description:

• Penicillin

Indications:

• Mild to moderate mized infections (i.e.; intra-abdominal, urinary tract,  gynecological, lower respiratory tract, skin, bone, joint, septicemia, streptococcal and gonococcal infections)

• susceptible strains of anaerobic cocci, H. influenzae, Clostridium species, Klebsiella species, P aeruginosa, Proteus species (including P. miribalis and enterococci), E. coli, Streptococcus faecelis, Bacteriodes species (including B. fragilis), Serratia  species, N. gonorrhoeae

Contraindications:

• None

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Use with caution in patients with PCN or cephalosporin allergy (5-10% chance of cross-reactivity)

• modifications are generally only required in patients with severe renal impairment

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Hypersensitivity

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea

• Vaginitis  

Dosage:

Administered by IV or IM injection

• Adults:

  • 3-4 grams every 4-6 hours as a 20-30 minute IV infusion (max daily dose is 24 grams)

  • limit IM doses to 2 grams per site

  • average duration of therapy is 7-10 days

• Infants and Child:

  • no established doses

  • suggested at 200-300mg/kg/day every 4-6 hours