Penicillin G Procaine
Information from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th Edition, by Donald C. Plumb:
Natural penicillins are the drugs of choice for a wide variety of bacteria. If susceptible to a natural penicillin, penicilin G or V are preferred for treating that infection, as long as adequate penetration of the drug to the site of the infection occurs, and the patient is not hypersensitive to penicillins.
Contraindications: Penicillins are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to them, and should be used cautiously in patients who are hypersensitive to other beta lactam antibiotics, due to the possibility of cross-reactivity. Do not administer systemic antibiotics orally to patients with septicemia, shock, or other grave illnesses, as GI absorption may be significantly delayed or diminished; use parenteral (preferably IV) administration instead. High doses, especially in small animals or patients with existing electrolyte abnormality, renal disease, or congestive heart failure, may cause or exacerbate electrolyte imbalances. Certain species, including snakes, birds, turtles, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, are reportedly sensitive to procaine penicillin G.
Adverse effects may include: Hypersensitivity reactions, rashes, fever, eosiniphilia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemias, lymphadenopathy, full-blown anaphylaxis, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, neurotoxicity at very high doses, elevated liver enzymes, tachypnea, dyspnea, edema, tachycardia, CNS effects at very high doses.
Penicillins have been shown to cross the placenta and safe use has not been established during pregnancy. There have been no documented teratogenic effects, but they should still be used only where benefits outweigh the risks. Penicillins are excreted in maternal milk in low concentrations, and use may cause diarrhea, candidiasis, or allergic responses in nursing offspring.
The following drugs may interact with Penicillin G Procaine: aminoglycosides, bacteriostatic antibiotics, methotrexate, probenecid.
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