Benzathine benzylpenicillin
Benzathine benzylpenicillin (pronunciation: ben-ZATH-een BEN-zil-pen-i-sil-in), also known as penicillin G benzathine, is a form of penicillin which is long acting. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including streptococcal infections, syphilis, and Lyme disease.
Etymology
The term "Benzathine" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which includes a benzene ring and an ethane group. "Benzylpenicillin" refers to the penicillin core structure, which is modified by the addition of a benzyl group.
Pharmacology
Benzathine benzylpenicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell death. It is a bactericidal drug, meaning it kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.
Usage
Benzathine benzylpenicillin is typically administered by deep intramuscular injection. It is not suitable for intravenous administration due to its formulation. The drug is slowly released into the bloodstream over a period of several weeks, providing prolonged antibiotic coverage.
Side Effects
Common side effects of benzathine benzylpenicillin include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, and allergic reactions. Severe allergic reactions, while rare, can be life-threatening.
Related Terms
- Penicillin: A group of antibiotics originally derived from Penicillium fungi.
- Beta-lactam antibiotic: A broad class of antibiotics, encompassing all antibiotic agents that contain a beta-lactam ring in their molecular structures.
- Bactericidal: An agent that kills bacteria.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Benzathine benzylpenicillin
- Wikipedia's article - Benzathine benzylpenicillin
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