Dura-Pen

GENERIC NAME:

Penicillin G

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Penicillin G (procaine, benzathine, aqueous or a combination) is a beta lactam antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Injectable Penicillin G is usually used in small animal medicine, although oral forms (suspension and tablets) are also available.

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

• A beta lactam antibiotic
• Registered for use in large animals and humans but used frequently in small animal medicine as well
• Usually given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection; oral suspension and tablets are given by mouth

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• Useful to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs and cats (also ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs)

WHAT PETS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?

• Use with caution in pets on sodium restricted diets
• Use with caution in very small animals who may be dehydrated
• Use with caution in pets with kidney, liver or cardiac disorders
• Pregnant animals
• Procaine is toxic to rats and mice
• Snakes, birds, turtles, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are sensitive to procaine penicillin
• Pets known to have had a prior allergic reaction to Penicillin G or other antibiotics

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian.
Some Penicillin G products may be given intravenously (in the vein), intramuscularly (in the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin) while your pet is hospitalized, but if you’ve been instructed to give Penicillin G to your pet at home, giving the injections by the intramuscular (I.M.) route is most likely your easiest and effective option. Go over this injection method with your veterinary staff and be sure that you are comfortable performing this procedure.
Penicillin G is measured in units, for example 1,000,000 units/mL, 300,000 units/mL and 150,000 units/mL. When drawing up the proper dose, ensure that you have read and are following the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
The oral suspension and tablets should NOT be given with food.
For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.
Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Finish the entire course of treatment.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

WHAT IF DOSE IS MISSED?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

STORAGE AND WARNINGS:

Store tablets and powder at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
After mixing the powder and water, refrigerate the oral suspension for up to 14 days. Discard any remaining product after that time.
After mixing the powder and water, refrigerate the injectable solution for up to 7 days. If left out at room temperature, it is only usable for 24 hours. Discard any remaining product after that time.
Procaine Penicillin G and benzathine Penicillin G should only be stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally receive this product.
Pet owners allergic to beta lactam drugs (such as cephalosporins) should avoid handling this drug.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS:

• Rare, but at high doses or after prolonged use in dogs, you may see stumbling, quick or difficult breathing, fast heart rate, and/or limb swelling
• Allergy symptoms to this medication include: scratching, facial swelling, hives, sudden diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma.
• It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product's therapy

CAN THIS DRUG BE GIVEN WITH OTHER DRUGS?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with other antibiotics (eg. chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, etc) and probenicid
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

OVERDOSING?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount.

WHAT TO TELL/ASK VETERINARIAN BEFORE GIVING MEDICATION?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, Penicillin G should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about Penicillin G. If you have any questions or concerns about Penicillin G or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.