Penidure LA Injection (Benzathine penicillin G) | Used for Rheumatic Fever Prevention and Treatment
Penidure LA Injection (Benzathine Penicillin G) is a long-acting antibiotic used to treat and prevent various bacterial infections. Benzathine penicillin G, the active ingredient in Penidure LA, is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacteria.
Product Overview
Penidure LA Injection is a highly reliable, long-acting repository penicillin injection designed to provide deep, sustained systemic defense against susceptible bacterial pathogens. Formulated with Benzathine Penicillin G, this sterile suspension functions as a cornerstone narrow-spectrum antibiotic. It is heavily utilized for the clinical management and long-term prevention of severe bacterial infections, most notably acute rheumatic fever, streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), and various stages of syphilis. Administered strictly via deep intramuscular delivery, this specialized formula creates a localized medication depot that dissolves into the body at a controlled rate, ensuring continuous, therapeutic antibiotic protection over several weeks with a single dose.
Product Composition
- Active Ingredient: Benzathine Penicillin G (also known as Benzathine Benzylpenicillin) available in standard strengths of 600,000 units, 1,200,000 units per vial.
- Therapeutic Class: Narrow-Spectrum Beta-Lactam Antibiotic / Natural Penicillin.
- Key Excipients: Contains sodium citrate (buffer), polysorbate 80 (wetting agent), carboxymethylcellulose sodium (suspension stabilizer), and sterile water for injection to ensure proper flow and crystal stability.
Product Specification
| Parameter | Specification Detail |
| Formulation Type | Sterile viscous aqueous suspension for injection |
| Available Strengths | 0.6 million and 1.2 million International Units (IU) |
| Primary Route | Deep Intramuscular (IM) injection only; absolutely never give intravenously |
| Release Duration | Slow, sustained release maintaining therapeutic serum levels for 2 to 4 weeks |
| Target Pathogens | Highly effective against Streptococcus pyogenes and Treponema pallidum |
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis: The active molecule binds directly to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall.
- Peptidoglycan Synthesis Blockade: By binding to these proteins, the antibiotic completely blocks the final cross-linking stage of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is the structural mesh that gives the bacterial cell wall its strength.
- Bacterial Cell Lysis: With its structural integrity compromised, the cell wall undergoes rapid degradation, causing the bacteria to swell and burst under osmotic pressure, resulting in complete cell death.
- Depot Release Kinetics: The low solubility of benzathine penicillin causes it to dissolve slowly from the deep muscle tissue into the bloodstream, providing a steady, low-level release over an extended period.
Key Benefits
- Extended-Release Protection: Maintains consistent, active antibiotic levels in the bloodstream for up to an entire month, eliminating the need for daily oral pill compliance.
- Gold Standard Rheumatic Prophylaxis: Provides unmatched clinical efficacy in preventing recurring Group A streptococcal infections, effectively shielding vulnerable patients from developing rheumatic heart disease.
- Highly Effective Syphilis Eradication: Serves as the primary, globally recognized treatment for clearing early, late, and latent syphilis infections with a highly predictable cure rate.
- Bypasses Gastrointestinal Degradation: Delivers the active therapeutic agent directly into systemic circulation via the muscle tissue, avoiding stomach acid breakdown and preventing gastrointestinal absorption issues.
Precautions
| General Precaution | Details |
|---|---|
| Allergy Check | Avoid if allergic to penicillin. |
| Injection Only | Must be given by trained professional. |
| Full Course | Complete advised treatment schedule. |
| Observation Needed | Monitor after injection for reactions. |
| Kidney Care | Use carefully in kidney impairment. |
| Dosage Accuracy | Do not self adjust dose or frequency. |
| Medical History | Inform about past antibiotic reactions. |
Important Usage Precautions
- Use Penidure LA Injection (Benzathine Penicillin G) only under proper supervision.
- Inform about any history of allergy to penicillin or antibiotics before use.
- Do not skip scheduled doses as it may reduce treatment effectiveness.
- Monitor for symptoms like rash, breathing difficulty, or swelling after injection.
- Avoid self administration; it should always be given in a clinical setting.
Who Should Be Extra Careful
- Individuals with penicillin or beta lactam allergy history
- Patients with kidney disorders or chronic illnesses
- Children and elderly requiring dose monitoring
- People with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Usage
Proper administration of this repository penicillin injection requires precise intramuscular technique, specialized clinical handling to manage its viscous properties, and strict patient screening for potential beta-lactam allergies.
Administration Instructions
Strictly Intramuscular Route Only: Administer exclusively via deep intramuscular injection into the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus or the mid-lateral thigh. Absolutely never inject this formula into a vein, artery, or peripheral nerve.
Aspirate Before Injecting: Prior to delivering the medication, the healthcare provider must aspirate the syringe back to ensure the needle tip has not accidentally penetrated a blood vessel. If any blood enters the syringe, withdraw the needle immediately and prepare a fresh dose.
Manage Liquid Viscosity: Because this aqueous suspension is highly thick and prone to crystallization, it must be injected at a steady, continuous pace using a large-bore needle (typically 18 to 21 gauge) to prevent needle blockage.
Alternate Injection Sites: For treatments requiring multiple weekly doses or when splitting a high-volume 2.4 million unit dose, alternate injection sites between the left and right muscle masses to reduce local tissue trauma.
Observe Post-Injection: Keep the patient under clinical observation for at least 30 minutes following administration to monitor for any signs of an immediate, severe hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis.
Maintain Cold Chain Storage: Store vials continuously in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Bring the suspension to room temperature gently just before injection, and shake the vial vigorously to ensure uniform mixing.
Uses
Penidure LA Injection functions as a sustained-release narrow-spectrum antibiotic that provides continuous, low-level blood serum concentrations of penicillin over several weeks. It is highly effective against specific, highly sensitive Gram-positive bacteria.
Treatment of Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Eliminates Group A streptococcal infections in the upper respiratory tract, successfully clearing strep throat and tonsillitis with a single, highly reliable dose.
Primary Prevention of Rheumatic Fever: Eradicates lingering streptococcal bacteria from the throat before they can trigger the full-body autoimmune reaction responsible for acute rheumatic fever.
Long-Term Rheumatic Heart Disease Prophylaxis: Provides ongoing, systematic defense for individuals with a history of rheumatic fever, preventing recurring bacterial infections that could cause permanent scarring to heart valves.
Eradication of Early and Latent Syphilis: Serves as the global standard treatment for destroying Treponema pallidum, effectively curing primary, secondary, and latent stages of syphilis.
Management of Yaws and Pinta: Utilized in tropical medicine campaigns to clear non-venereal endemic treponematoses, eradicating skin, bone, and tissue-destroying infections across vulnerable populations.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Pain at injection site
- Swelling or redness at injection site
- Mild fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin rash or itching
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Mild allergic skin reactions
- Swollen lymph nodes
Serious Side Effects
| Serious Effect | Warning Sign |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reaction | Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or breathing difficulty |
| Anaphylaxis | Sudden collapse, severe breathlessness |
| Severe skin reaction | Blistering, peeling, widespread rash |
| Severe diarrhea | Persistent watery stools with dehydration |
| Blood disorders | Unusual bruising, weakness, or infections |
| Nerve complications | Severe pain or numbness at injection site |
Important Safety Advice
- Stop using Penidure LA Injection (Benzathine Penicillin G) and seek immediate medical help if serious reactions occur.
- Mild injection site pain or fever is usually temporary.
- Always stay under observation after injection due to risk of allergic reactions.
FAQs
Q: What is the product used for?
A: Penidure LA Injection is a long-acting repository penicillin injection used to treat specific bacterial infections, including streptococcal sore throats and syphilis, and to provide long-term prevention against recurring rheumatic fever.
Q: How does this medication stay active in the body for so long?
A: The active ingredient has very low water solubility. When injected deep into muscle tissue, it forms a localized medication depot that dissolves slowly into the bloodstream, maintaining steady therapeutic levels for 2 to 4 weeks.
Q: How is this antibiotic medication administered?
A: This viscous suspension must be administered exclusively via deep intramuscular injection into a large muscle mass, such as the gluteal muscle or the mid-lateral thigh.
Q: Can this long-acting penicillin suspension be given intravenously?
A: No, it must absolutely never be injected into a vein or artery. Intravenous administration can block blood vessels, leading to severe, life-threatening circulatory complications or permanent tissue damage.
Q: What should be checked before receiving the first injection?
A: Healthcare professionals must confirm that you have no history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, as beta-lactam allergies can lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Q: Is it normal to experience pain or swelling at the injection site?
A: Yes, because the liquid is thick and forms a physical deposit in the muscle, localized pain, redness, hardness, and tenderness at the injection site are quite common and may last for a few days.
Q: Can this injection be used to treat a viral infection like the flu?
A: No, this medicine is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that targets specific bacterial pathogens; it is completely ineffective against viruses, including the common cold, influenza, or viral respiratory infections.
Q: How often do patients need to receive these preventative injections?
A: For the prevention of rheumatic fever, clinical protocols typically require a single intramuscular injection administered regularly every 3 to 4 weeks over an extended period.
Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Interaction Effect |
|---|---|
| Other antibiotics | May reduce or alter treatment effectiveness. |
| Methotrexate | Increased risk of toxicity and side effects. |
| Probenecid | Can increase penicillin levels in blood. |
| Oral contraceptives | May reduce contraceptive effectiveness in some cases. |
| Blood thinners | Possible increased bleeding risk. |
| Live vaccines | May reduce immune response effectiveness. |
| Alcohol | No direct interaction, but may worsen side effects. |
Important Drug Interaction Advice
- Use Penidure LA Injection (Benzathine Penicillin G) carefully with other antibiotics or long term medicines.
- Inform about all ongoing medicines before starting treatment.
- Avoid self combining medications without proper guidance.
- Monitor for unusual reactions like rash, fever, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Always follow proper dosing schedule for best therapeutic effect.
Safety Reminder
- Proper medical history review is essential due to possible interactions affecting antibiotic effectiveness and safety.
| Manufacturer | : | Pfizer Ltd, India |
| Trade Name | : | Bicillin L-A |
| Generic Search | : | Benzathine penicillin G |
| Strength | : | 600000IU, 1200000IU |
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