Introduction
Benzapen 12 Lac is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in treating sore throat and sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis. This medicine is also used to prevent some bacterial infections such as Rheumatic fever.
Benzapen 12 Lac is a long-acting type of penicillin, which mainly fights and stops the growth of the gram-positive type of bacteria. It is given as an injection into the muscle under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It should be used regularly as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening. The total duration of treatment and precise dosage will be decided by your doctor, depending on the type of infection that you have and how well you respond to the medication.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or any penicillin-type of medicine. Rash, allergic reactions or pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection may be seen as side effects in some patients. These are temporary and usually resolve quickly. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or if your condition worsens. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy if used under a doctor's supervision.
Uses of Benzapen 12 Lac
- Bacterial infections
- Syphilis
- Prevention of rheumatic fever
Side effects of Benzapen 12 Lac
Common
- Rash
- Allergic reaction
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Benzapen 12 Lac
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Benzapen 12 Lac works
Benzapen 12 Lac is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Indication
Anthrax, Group A Strep. infections, Neurosyphilis, Fusobacterium infections, Diphtheria, Erysipeloid, Uncomplicated pneumococcal pneumonia, Rat bite fever, Rheumatic fever, Syphilis, Streptococcal pharyngitis
Adult Dose
Adult: IM: 0.3 to 1.2 million units up to 2.4 million units as a single dose repeated every five to seven days.
Specific dosage schedule:
Treatment of group-A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections:
A single intramuscular dose of 600,000 units.
Prevention of rheumatic fever: Monthly injection of a single dose of 1.2 million units is the most effective regimen for preventing further attacks of rheumatic fever.
Treatment of acute otitis media: A single injection of 600,000 units.
Treatment of syphilis:
Early syphilis- 2.4 million units as a single dose.
Late syphilis- 2.4 million units weekly for three successive weeks.
Neurosyphilis- Benzylpenicillin, intravenously, 2 to 4 million units every 4 hours for 10 days, followed by benzathine penicillin intramuscularly, 2.4 million units weekly for three successive weeks.
Congenital syphilis: Asymptomatic infants with normal cerebrospinal fluid, intramuscularly 50,000 units per kg in a single dose.
Primary and secondary syphilis have been treated with single injections of 2.4 million units of long acting benzathine penicillin (Benzapen) weekly for 2 to 4 weeks with satisfactory results.
Child Dose
Child: IM 50,000 U/kg for newborns and infants,
Child: IM 50,000 U/kg for newborns and infants,
children <60 lb: 300,000–600,000 U,
children >60 lb: 900,000 U
1 dose for treatment
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins. IM inj (ischaemic reactions may occur).
Mode of Action
Benzathine benzylpenicillin has the same antimicrobial action as benzylpenicillin which exerts its bactericidal action on growing and dividing bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. IM admin results in a prolonged effect, but because of its relatively low blood concentrations, its use should be restricted to microorganisms that are highly susceptible to it.
Precaution
Very high doses in poor renal function (risk of neurotoxicity) or heart failure. Avoid contact, skin sensitization may occur. Monitor serum potassium concentration, renal and haematological status. Spirochete infections particularly syphilis; suprainfection with penicillin-resistant organisms with prolonged use; avoid intrathecal route.
Lactation: Excreted into breast milk, caution advised
Side Effect
Hypersensitivity reactions including uticaria; fever; joint pains; rashes; angioedema; serum sickness-like reactions; haemolytic anaemia; interstitial nephritis; neutropenia; thrombocytopenia; CNS toxicity including convulsions; diarrhoea; antibiotic-associated colitis.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Excreted into breast milk, caution advised
Interaction
Probenecid prolongs T1/2 of benzathine benzylpenicillin. Bacteriostatic drugs e.g. chloramphenicol, tetracyclines; other antibacterials; anticoagulants.