Benzathine benzylpenicillin

Also sold as: Bicillin L-A, Penadur

Prescription neededPenicillins

Comes as:Injection

Usual adult dose

Dose is set by your doctor. Given as one deep injection into the buttock muscle by a health worker, usually 1.2 million units (2.4 million units for syphilis). For rheumatic fever prevention it is repeated every 3 to 4 weeks.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

pain and swelling at the injection site
mild fever

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat
difficulty breathing
fainting) soon after the injection

Do not take it, or take care, if

Allergy to penicillin or any penicillin-type antibiotic
Must never be injected into a vein
Should be given where emergency treatment for allergy is available

Interactions

No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.