What is Penicillin G Potassium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Penicillin G Potassium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Pfizerpen, Pfizerpen Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Penicillin G Potassium

Uses:

  • Treats infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Penicillin G Potassium used for?

Penicillin G Potassium is an injectable powder for injection that treats severe bacterial infections in the body. It works by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the body. This medication is available only as a prescription.

What form(s) does Penicillin G Potassium come in

  • Injectable

What are common Penicillin G Potassium doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 5000000UNIT

  • Solution Reconstituted 20000000UNIT

Common Penicillin G Potassium prescriptions

  • Penicillin G Potassium
    20000000unit solution reconstituted

  • Penicillin G Potassium
    5000000unit solution reconstituted

  • Penicillin G Potassium
    20,000,000 units per vial vial

  • Penicillin G Potassium
    5,000,000 units per vial vial

How to take Penicillin G Potassium

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein, or directly into the infected area of your body.

  • You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein, or directly into the infected area of your body.

  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

What to do if you miss a dose of Penicillin G Potassium

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

  • 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 and never share your medicine with anyone.

Penicillin G Potassium contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of penicillin.

Penicillin G Potassium warnings

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • Seizures

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic (such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, Keflex®).

  • If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.

Penicillin G Potassium interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®), tetracycline, or erythromycin (Erythro-Tab®, E-Mycin®).

  • Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using penicillin. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Penicillin G Potassium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing

  • Diarrhea (may be watery or contain blood)

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Pain or irritation where your shot is given

  • Vaginal itching or discharge