see also:

• penicillins

• benzyl penicillin is a narrow spectrum penicillin with activity against:
  • Gram +ves such as most Streptococcal species but not Staph.
  • Neisseria (meningococcus, gonococcus)
  • enterococci

• mix 600 mg vial with 1.6 mL water for injection to give 300 mg/mL (ie 600 mg/2 mL) or mix 1.2 g vial with 3.2 mL water for injection to give 300 mg/mL (ie 1.2 g/4 mL).
• max. rate 300mg/min

• usual adult dose 30mg/kg up to 1.2g iv 6hrly

• as an adjunct to ceftriaxone primarily to provide additional cover for Listeria in those at risk
• meningitis dose: 60mg/kg to max 2.4g iv 4hrly

• see meningococcal septicaemia

• child < 1 year: 300mg
• child 1-9 years: 600mg
• adult or child 10 years or more: 1.2g

• meningococcal septicaemia dose: 45 mg/kg up to 1.8 g IV, 4-hourly for 3 to 5 days