Benzylpenicillin

CLINICAL USE

Antibacterial agent

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

2.4–14.4 g daily in 4–6 divided doses

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight                           :334.4
  • %Protein binding                           :60
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine     : 60–90
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg)       :0.3–0.42
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)      :0.5/10

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

  • 20 to 50     : Dose as in normal renal function
  • 10 to 20     : 600 mg – 2.4 g every 6 hours depending on severity of infection
  • <10           : 600 mg – 1.2 g every 6 hours depending on severity of infection

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD                :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • HD                     :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • HDF/high flux   :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • CAV/VVHD      :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR 10 to 20 mL/min

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsReduced excretion of methotrexate

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

  • IV Bolus: 600 mg in 5 mL water for injectionIV Infusion: 600 mg in at least 10 mL sodium chloride 0.9%
  • IM: 600 mg in 1.6 mL water for injection 600 mg displaces 0.4 mL

    Route

    IV Bolus, IV Infusion, IM

    Rate of Administration

    IV bolus: over 3–4 minutes

    IV infusion

    : over 30–60 minutes

    Comments

    IV doses in excess of 1.2 g must be given slowly at minimum rate of 300 mg/minute

    OTHER INFORMATION

  • Dose in normal renal function: meningitis up to 14.4 g daily; bacterial endocarditis 4.8 g daily
  • Maximum dose in severe renal impairment: 4.8 g per day600 mg of benzylpenicillin sodium (1 mega unit) contains 1.68 mmol of sodium600 mg of benzylpenicillin potassium contains 1.7 mmol potassium
  • Increased incidence of neurotoxicity in renal impairment (seizures)
  • False positive urinary protein reactions may be caused by benzylpenicillin therapy
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