Has a doctor ever prescribed a penicillin shot to you or someone in your family? You probably remember getting one when you had a fever or a sore when you were a kid. So, today we'll talk about this penicillin shot, specifically a combination of two types called `(Penicillin G Benzathine)` and `(Penicillin G Procaine)`. Although this is a drug that many people are familiar with, it is important to be fully aware of it.
What is this medicine called penicillin?
Simply put, this is an antibiotic . This means that this medicine is used to kill certain types of bacteria that enter our body. Think of our body as a country. Bacteria are an enemy army that attacks this country. So, penicillin is like our own army that fights against that enemy army.
But here's something very important. This medicine only works for bacterial infections. It won't cure viral infections like the common cold or flu . Therefore, using this medicine without a doctor's advice is not only useless, but it can also have adverse effects on the body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before you get this vaccine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your health condition or opportunity | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Having an allergy to penicillin or another medicine or food. | This is the most important point. Penicillin allergy can be severe, so it is imperative to report any previous history. |
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. If your kidneys are not working properly, your dose may need to be adjusted. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | Some respiratory patients may be at increased risk of developing allergies. |
| Heart disease | Caution should be exercised when administering this medication in certain heart conditions. |
| G6PD deficiency | This is a hereditary condition that some people have. This medicine can damage red blood cells. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | It is very important to talk to your doctor about this to ensure your and your child's safety. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can take home and use. This injection is given into a muscle , usually in the buttock or upper arm. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nursing staff. So you don't have to worry about getting the wrong dose or anything like that.
However, the doctor will probably tell you to wait 20-30 minutes after giving you this injection. This is because sometimes severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur within the first few minutes of the injection. If this happens, it is easier to treat immediately in a hospital.
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, or if you have taken someone else's medicine, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice if necessary.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Yes. This medicine is also given to children for some selected bacterial infections. But it is decided by a pediatrician. When giving it to children, the dosage and other considerations are more careful than adults.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Diarrhea: Some people may get diarrhea when taking these antibiotics. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, if it becomes watery, or if it is accompanied by severe stomach pain, do not take over-the-counter diarrhea medication, but call your doctor right away . Sometimes it can be a sign of a serious condition.
- Serious skin reactions: This is a rare occurrence, but it's important to be aware of it. If you develop red or purple skin rashes that blister and peel, even weeks after starting the medication, along with fever and body aches, seek medical attention immediately. Also, be wary of skin rashes that appear on the neck or armpits, along with swelling.
- Birth control pills: If you are taking birth control pills, they may be less effective while taking penicillin. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control (e.g. condoms) during this time.
- Diabetes: If you are diabetic, you may get false-positive results when testing your urine for sugar while taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this as well.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, penicillin can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The table below provides a clearer picture of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe diarrhea | Diarrhea with blood or watery stools, severe stomach pain. |
| Methemoglobinemia (rare) | Difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, fainting, blue/gray lips, fingernails, or skin, extreme fatigue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Headache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, slight swelling, or pain at the injection site. |
Can this interact with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including other antibiotics, painkillers, birth control pills, vitamins, Ayurvedic or traditional medicines). Some medicines, when taken together with penicillin, can affect the way each other works. For example, the medicine `(probenecid)` increases the time penicillin stays in the body. Other antibiotics, such as `(Tetracycline)`, can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of penicillin. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of everything you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work for colds and flu, which are caused by viruses.
- Before taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially allergies to penicillin.
- This vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic, so don't worry about the dosage.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips/face, or severe skin rashes.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).
- This information is for general information only. It is important to seek the advice of your doctor for any health concerns.
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