BICILLIN L-A 1,200,000 UNT in 2 ML Prefilled Syringe

Generic Name: PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE
Brand Name: BICILLIN L-A
  • Substance Name(s):
  • PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE

WARNINGS

WARNING NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE.

DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS.

THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INADVERTENT INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST AND DEATH.

Prior to administration of this drug, carefully read the , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the labeling.

Penicillin G benzathine should only be prescribed for the indications listed in this insert.

Anaphylaxis SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY.

THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY AND/OR A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS.

THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE REACTIONS WHEN TREATED WITH CEPHALOSPORINS.

BEFORE INITIATING THERAPY WITH BICILLIN L-A, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS, OR OTHER ALLERGENS.

IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION OCCURS, BICILLIN L-A SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED AND APPROPRIATE THERAPY INSTITUTED.

SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE.

OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION, SHOULD ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in patients taking penicillin G (the active moiety in Bicillin L-A).

When SCAR is suspected, Bicillin L-A should be discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment should be considered.

Clostridioides difficile Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile associated-diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Bicillin L-A, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.

Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C.

difficile .

C.

difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD.

Hypertoxin producing strains of C.

difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.

CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial use.

Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C.

difficile may need to be discontinued.

Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C.

difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Method of Administration Do not inject into or near an artery or nerve.

See administration instructions below.

Injection into or near a nerve may result in permanent neurological damage.

Inadvertent intravascular administration, including inadvertent direct intra-arterial injection or injection immediately adjacent to arteries, of Bicillin L-A and other penicillin preparations has resulted in severe neurovascular damage, including transverse myelitis with permanent paralysis, gangrene requiring amputation of digits and more proximal portions of extremities, and necrosis and sloughing at and surrounding the injection site consistent with the diagnosis of Nicolau syndrome.

Such severe effects have been reported following injections into the buttock, thigh, and deltoid areas.

Other serious complications of suspected intravascular administration which have been reported include immediate pallor, mottling, or cyanosis of the extremity both distal and proximal to the injection site, followed by bleb formation; severe edema requiring anterior and/or posterior compartment fasciotomy in the lower extremity.

The above-described severe effects and complications have most often occurred in infants and small children.

Prompt consultation with an appropriate specialist is indicated if any evidence of compromise of the blood supply occurs at, proximal to, or distal to the site of injection.

1–9 (See PRECAUTIONS , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections.) FOR DEEP INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION ONLY.

There have been reports of inadvertent intravenous administration of penicillin G benzathine which has been associated with cardiorespiratory arrest and death.

Therefore, do not inject intravenously or admix with other intravenous solutions.

(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.) Administer by DEEP INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION ONLY in the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock (dorsogluteal) or the ventrogluteal site.

Quadriceps femoris fibrosis and atrophy have been reported following repeated intramuscular injections of penicillin preparations into the anterolateral thigh.

Because of these adverse effects and the vascularity of this region, administration in the anterolateral thigh is not recommended.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drug Interactions Tetracycline, a bacteriostatic antibiotic, may antagonize the bactericidal effect of penicillin, and concurrent use of these drugs should be avoided.

Concurrent administration of penicillin and probenecid increases and prolongs serum penicillin levels by decreasing the apparent volume of distribution and slowing the rate of excretion by competitively inhibiting renal tubular secretion of penicillin.

OVERDOSAGE

Penicillin in overdosage has the potential to cause neuromuscular hyperirritability or convulsive seizures.

DESCRIPTION

Description Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) is available for deep intramuscular injection.

Penicillin G benzathine is prepared by the reaction of dibenzylethylene diamine with two molecules of penicillin G.

It is chemically designated as (2 S , 5 R , 6 R )-3,3-Dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid compound with N,N’ – dibenzylethylenediamine (2:1), tetrahydrate.

It occurs as a white, crystalline powder and is very slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol.

Its chemical structure is as follows: Bicillin L-A contains penicillin G benzathine in aqueous suspension with sodium citrate buffer and, as w/v, approximately 0.65% sodium citrate, 0.59% povidone, 0.54% carboxymethylcellulose sodium, 0.53% lecithin, 0.12% methylparaben, and 0.013% propylparaben.

Bicillin L-A contains approximately 0.11 mEq of sodium per 600,000 units of penicillin G (approximately 2.59 mg of sodium per 600,000 units of penicillin G).

Bicillin L-A suspension in the disposable-syringe formulation is viscous and opaque.

It is available in a 1 mL, 2 mL, and 4 mL sizes containing the equivalent of 600,000 (actual volume of 1.17 mL contains 620,100), 1,200,000 (actual volume of 2.34 mL contains 1,240,200), and 2,400,000 (actual volume of 4.67 mL contains 2,475,100) units respectively of penicillin G as the benzathine salt.

Read CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections prior to use.

Chemical Structure

HOW SUPPLIED

Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) is supplied in packages of 10 disposable syringes as follows: 1 mL size, containing 600,000 units per syringe, (21 gauge, thin-wall 1-inch needle for pediatric use), with 0.11 mEq of sodium per 600,000 units of penicillin G (2.59 mg of sodium per 600,000 units of penicillin G), NDC 60793-700-10.

2 mL size, containing 1,200,000 units per syringe, (21 gauge, thin-wall 1-1/2-inch needle), with 0.22 mEq of sodium per 1,200,000 units of penicillin G (5.17 mg of sodium per 1,200,000 units of penicillin G), NDC 60793-701-10.

4 mL size, containing 2,400,000 units per syringe (18 gauge, × 1–1/2-inch needle), with 0.45 mEq of sodium per 2,400,000 units of penicillin G (10.32 mg of sodium per 2,400,000 units of penicillin G), NDC 60793-702-10.

Store in a refrigerator, 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

Keep from freezing.

GERIATRIC USE

Geriatric Use Clinical studies of penicillin G benzathine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.

(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY .) Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Mechanism of Action Penicillin G exerts a bactericidal action against penicillin-susceptible microorganisms during the stage of active multiplication.

It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell-wall peptidoglycan, rendering the cell wall osmotically unstable.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bicillin L-A and other antibacterial drugs, Bicillin L-A should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.

In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Intramuscular penicillin G benzathine is indicated in the treatment of infections due to penicillin-G-sensitive microorganisms that are susceptible to the low and very prolonged serum levels common to this particular dosage form.

Therapy should be guided by bacteriological studies (including sensitivity tests) and by clinical response.

The following infections will usually respond to adequate dosage of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine: Mild-to-moderate infections of the upper-respiratory tract due to susceptible streptococci.

Venereal infections —Syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta.

Medical Conditions in which Penicillin G Benzathine Therapy is indicated as Prophylaxis: Rheumatic fever and/or chorea —Prophylaxis with penicillin G benzathine has proven effective in preventing recurrence of these conditions.

It has also been used as follow-up prophylactic therapy for rheumatic heart disease and acute glomerulonephritis.

PEDIATRIC USE

Pediatric Use (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections.)

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy Teratogenic effects Pregnancy 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.

NUSRING MOTHERS

Nursing Mothers Soluble penicillin G (the hydrolysate of penicillin G benzathine) is excreted in breast milk.

Caution should be exercised when penicillin G benzathine is administered to a nursing woman.

BOXED WARNING

WARNING NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE.

DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS.

THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INADVERTENT INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST AND DEATH.

Prior to administration of this drug, carefully read the WARNINGS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the labeling.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Information for Patients Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued.

Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic.

If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Bicillin L-A should only be used to treat bacterial infections.

They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).

When Bicillin L-A is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed.

Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Bicillin L-A or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Streptococcal (Group A) Upper Respiratory Infections (for example, pharyngitis) Adults—a single injection of 1,200,000 units; older pediatric patients—a single injection of 900,000 units; infants and pediatric patients under 60 lbs.—300,000 to 600,000 units.

Syphilis Primary, secondary, and latent—2,400,000 units (1 dose).

Late (tertiary and neurosyphilis)—2,400,000 units at 7-day intervals for three doses.

Congenital—under 2 years of age: 50,000 units/kg/body weight; ages 2 to 12 years: adjust dosage based on adult dosage schedule.

Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta —1,200,000 units (1 injection).

Prophylaxis —for rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

Following an acute attack, penicillin G benzathine (parenteral) may be given in doses of 1,200,000 units once a month or 600,000 units every 2 weeks.

METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION BICILLIN L-A IS INTENDED FOR INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION ONLY.

DO NOT INJECT INTO OR NEAR AN ARTERY OR NERVE, OR INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS.

(SEE WARNINGS SECTION.) Administer by DEEP INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION in the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock (dorsogluteal) or the ventrogluteal site.

In neonates, infants and small children, the midlateral aspect of the thigh may be preferable.

Administration in the anterolateral thigh is not recommended due to the adverse effects observed (see WARNINGS section), and vascularity of this region.

When doses are repeated, vary the injection site.

Because of the high concentration of suspended material in this product, the needle may be blocked if the injection is not made at a slow, steady rate.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.