penicillin G benzathine, a long-acting depot form of penicillin. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used primarily for the treatment of syphilitic infection outside the central nervous system. It is given by deep intramuscular injection to achieve steady concentrations in the plasma and to slow systemic absorption from the repository in the muscle. Absorption occurs in a period that ranges from 12 hours to several days. It may be administered as prophylaxis against susceptible strains of bacteria, primarily gram-positive bacteria. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to this drug or to other penicillins prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The most serious adverse effect is anaphylaxis. The most common side effects are diarrhea, maculopapular rash, urticarial rash, fever, bronchospasm, vasculitis, serum sickness, and exfoliative dermatitis.
