Penicillin V Benzathine

What it is and how it works

Benzathine phenoxymethylpenicillin is a sparingly soluble, taste-masked salt of penicillin V used in oral suspensions; it releases phenoxymethylpenicillin, which is acid-stable and inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins.

Indications

Mild to moderate infections caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms, especially streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis, skin and soft-tissue infections and otitis media; prophylaxis of rheumatic fever recurrence and pneumococcal infection in asplenia or sickle-cell disease.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Oral suspension after reconstitution, dose expressed as phenoxymethylpenicillin; adults usually 250–500 mg (about 400,000–800,000 units) every 6 hours, or twice daily for prophylaxis; children dosed by age or weight.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to penicillins.

Warnings and precautions

Anaphylaxis may occur, and cross-sensitivity with cephalosporins is possible. Not suitable for severe infections because absorption is variable. Prolonged use may lead to superinfection, including Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea.

Pregnancy

Considered safe for use in pregnancy.

Storage and supply

Store dry powder below 25 °C; after reconstitution, store in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C and use within the period stated on the label (usually 7–14 days).

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.