Penicillin G (Penicillin G Potassium) - Drug Interactions, Contraindications, Overdosage, etc

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies performed in the mouse, rat and rabbit have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to penicillin G. Human experience with the penicillins during pregnancy has not shown any positive evidence of adverse effects on the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women showing conclusively that harmful effects of these drugs on the fetus can be excluded. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

OVERDOSAGE

Dose related toxicity may arise with the use of massive doses of intravenous penicillins (40 to 100 million units per day), particularly in patients with severe renal impairment (see PRECAUTIONS). The manifestations may include agitation, confusion, asterixis, hallucinations, stupor, coma, multifocal myoclonus, seizures and encephalopathy. Hyperkalemia is also possible (see ADVERSE REACTIONS-Metabolic).

In case of overdosage, discontinue penicillin, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures as required. If necessary, hemodialysis may be used to reduce blood levels of Penicillin G, although the degree of effectiveness of this procedure is questionable.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

A history of a hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reaction to any penicillin is a contraindication. Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products.

REFERENCES

1. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard – 7th ed., CLSI document M7-A7. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Wayne, PA. January, 2006.

2. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; 18th Informational Supplement, CLSI document M100-S18. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Wayne, PA. January, 2008.

3. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard – 9th ed., CLSI document M2-A9. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Wayne, PA. January, 2006.

4. Methods for Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria; Approved Guideline, CLSI document M45-A. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Wayne, PA. May, 2006.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Deerfield, IL 60015 USA

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Baxter and GALAXY are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.

071956306

Rev. February 2008