Penicillin G is a penicillin-class antibacterial sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for actinomycosis, anthrax and botulism. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Penicillin G Sodium (application ANDA061935). Other penicillin g products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Penicillin G Sodium for injection, USP may be given intravenously or intramuscularly. The usual dose recommendations are as follows: Adult Patients Clinical Indication Dosage Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci (including S. pneumoniae ) and staphylococci-septicemia, empyema, pneumonia, pericarditis, endocarditis and meningitis 5 to 24 million units/day depending on the infection and its severity administered in equally divided doses every 4 to 6 hours Anthrax Minimum of 8 million units/day in divided doses every 6 hours. Higher doses may be required depending on susceptibility of organism. Actinomycosis Cervicofacial disease Thoracic and abdominal disease 1 to 6 million units/day(*) 10 to 20 million units/day(*) Clostridial infections Botulism (adjunctive therapy to antitoxin) Gas gangrene (debridement and/or surgery as indicated) Tetanus (adjunctive therapy to human tetanus immune globulin) 20 million units/day(*) Diphtheria (adjunctive therapy to antitoxin and for the prevention of the carrier state) 2 to 3 million units/day in divided doses for 10 to 12 days(*) Erysipelothrix endocarditis 12 to 20 million units/day for 4 to 6 weeks(*) Fusospirochetosis (severe infections of the oropharnyx [Vincent’s], lower respiratory tract and genital area) 5 to 10 million units/day(*) Listeria infections Meningitis Endocarditis 15 to 20 million units/day for 2…
Body as a Whole The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is a systemic reaction, that may occur after the initiation of penicillin therapy in patients with syphilis or other spirochetal infections (i.e., Lyme disease and Relapsing fever). The reaction begins one to two hours after initiation of therapy and disappears within 12 to 24 hours. It is characterized by fever, chills, myalgias, headache, exacerbation of cutaneous lesions, tachycardia, hyperventiliation, vasodilation with flushing and mild hypotension. The pathogenesis of the Herxheimer reaction may be due to the release from the spirochaete of host stable pyrogen. Hypersensitivity Reactions The reported incidence of allergic reactions to all penicillins ranges from 0.7 to 10 percent in different studies (see WARNINGS ). Sensitization is usually the result of previous treatment with a penicillin, but some individuals have had immediate reactions when first treated. In such cases, it is postulated that prior exposure to penicillin may have occurred via trace amounts present in milk or vaccines. Two types of allergic reactions to penicillin are noted clinically – Immediate and delayed. Immediate reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of administration and range in severity from urticaria and pruritus to angloneurotic edema, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hypotension, vascular collapse and death (see WARNINGS ). Such immediate…
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → | |
| 2 | 46/100 | Prescription | Injectable | — | — |
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension)
CGMP Deviations; particulates identified during visual inspection
Pfizer Inc. · Jul 10, 2025
Buffered Penicillin G Potassium for Injection
Labeling: Label Mix-Up; Some vials of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram were incorrectly labeled as penicillin G potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Unit
Sandoz Inc · Jun 27, 2025
Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine) 1.2
cGMP Deviations: Products were stored outside the drug label specifications.
Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office · Feb 7, 2024
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
A history of hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reaction to any penicillin is a contraindication.
Bacteriostatic antibacterials (i.e., chloramphenicol, erythromycins, sulfonamides or tetracyclines) may antagonize the bactericidal effect of penicillin, and concurrent use of these drugs should be avoided. This has been documented in vitro, however, the clinical significance of this interaction is not well-documented. Penicillin blood levels may be prolonged by concurrent administration of probenecid which blocks the renal tubular secretion of penicillins. Other drugs may compete with Penicillin G for renal tubular secretion and thus prolong the serum half-life of penicillin. These drugs include: aspirin, phenylbutazone, sulfonamides, indomethacin, thiazide diuretics, furosemide and ethacrynic acid.
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