Penicillin G (Parenteral, Aqueous)
Generic name: Penicillin G (Parenteral/Aqueous) [ pen-i-SIL-in-jee, pa-REN-ter-al, AYE-kwee-us ]
Brand name: Pfizerpen
Drug class: Natural penicillins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2024.
Uses of Penicillin G:
- It is used to treat bacterial infections.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Penicillin G?
- If you are allergic to penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous); any part of penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking chloramphenicol, erythromycin, a sulfa-drug like sulfamethoxazole, or a tetracycline drug like doxycycline. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Penicillin G?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- Have your blood work checked if you are on penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
- Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
- When given in large doses, penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) may cause very bad and even deadly electrolyte problems. Talk with the doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and test your urine glucose, talk with your doctor to find out which tests are best to use.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab workers know you use penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous).
- If you are on a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, talk with your doctor.
- A severe and sometimes deadly reaction has happened with drugs like this one. Most of the time, this reaction has signs like fever, rash, or swollen glands with problems in body organs like the liver, kidney, blood, heart, muscles and joints, or lungs. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Use with care in newborns. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Penicillin G) best taken?
Use penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous):
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
- Signs of a very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
- Headache.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Fast breathing.
- Flushing.
- Yellow skin or eyes.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Stomach pain.
- Twitching.
- Seizures.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
Injection (if given in the muscle):
- Nerve damage can happen if penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) is given into or near a nerve. This could be long-lasting. Call your doctor right away if you have any numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Related/similar drugs
prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, metronidazole, methocarbamol, diazepam, dexamethasone
What are some other side effects of Penicillin G?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
- Change in tongue color.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Penicillin G?
- If you need to store penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about penicillin G (parenteral/aqueous), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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