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Bicillin CR Coupon - Bicillin CR 10 syringes of 1.2 million units per 2ml package

Bicillin CR

penicillin G benzathine / penicillin G procaine
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia

Bicillin CR is a medication that contains two types of penicillin antibiotics. It's used to treat moderate-to-severe infections caused by streptococcus bacteria in people of all ages. These infections can happen in the throat (like strep throat), nose, lungs, skin, or soft tissues. Bicillin CR is given by a healthcare professional as an injection in your muscle. Bicillin CR can cause pain at the injection site as a side effect.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 23, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
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What is Bicillin CR?

What is Bicillin CR used for?

How Bicillin CR works

Bicillin CR is made of two types of penicillin antibiotics. It contains penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine. These antibiotics kill bacteria by blocking them from making their protective covering.

After it's injected into the muscle, Bicillin CR gets released slowly into the body. This allows you to get injections less often or even as a single dose.

Are you looking for information on penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) tablets, penicillin G (Pfizerpen) injection, or Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) injection instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBicillin CR, Bicillin CR 900/300
Drug ClassPenicillin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Bicillin CR?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pain where the medication is injected
  • Inflammation or swelling where the medication is injected

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Tremors
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Itchiness
  • Rash
  • Changes in vision
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast heart rate or a racing heart

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face and neck, tight feeling in the throat
  • Severe skin reaction: new painful rash, rash with fever, blisters, sores inside your mouth, peeling skin
  • Blood problem (methemoglobinemia): pale, gray, or blue-colored skin; headache; lightheadedness; fast heartbeat; shortness of breath; tiredness
  • Severe infectious diarrhea: very watery or loose stools, foul-smelling diarrhea, very frequent bowel movements, stomach cramps, fever

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Less common

Fast or irregular breathing

fever

joint pain

lightheadedness or fainting (sudden)

puffiness or swelling around the face

red, scaly skin

shortness of breath

skin rash, hives, itching

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe)

abdominal tenderness

convulsions (seizures)

decreased amount of urine

diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody

mental depression

nausea and vomiting

pain at place of injection

sore throat and fever

unusual bleeding or bruising

yellow eyes or skin

Rare

For penicillin G procaine only

Agitation or combativeness

anxiety

confusion

fear of impending death

feeling, hearing, or seeing things that are not real

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea (mild)

headache

sore mouth or tongue

vaginal itching and discharge

white patches in the mouth and/or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bicillin CR

thumbs-up

Pros

Good at fighting severe infections caused by strep bacteria

Works for many days in the body, so injections are given less often or even just once

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given as a deep muscle injection, generally in the buttock or thigh (for some children)

Not a safe option for people with a penicillin allergy

Not used for treating syphilis, gonorrhea, or yaws, bejel, and pinta infections

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bicillin CR

pharmacist

  • Bicillin CR can only treat infections caused by bacteria. It doesn't work to treat viral infections (like the common cold) or fungal infections. Your prescriber will make sure this medication is right for the kind of infection you have.

    • Bicillin CR is an injection given by a trained healthcare professional at a medical office. How many injections you need depends on your infection and the medical office. You might need just one injection or you might need more than one injection that are given 1 or 2 days apart.

      • Mark your calendar so you remember when to get your Bicillin CR injection(s). If you need more than one injection, it's important not to miss any to finish the whole treatment. You might feel better early on, but missing doses or not finishing treatment can cause the antibiotic to work less well. It can also cause your infection to come back or be harder to treat.

        • Bicillin CR is injected deep into the muscle. For adults, it's injected into the top outer area of the buttock. For babies and young children, the healthcare professional will probably inject into the outer middle area of the thigh.

          • You might have diarrhea as a side effect from Bicillin CR. If you do, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. But call your prescriber if the diarrhea doesn't go away, gets worse, becomes watery, or starts to smell bad. Also call them if the diarrhea happens with stomach cramps or a fever. They can be signs of serious infectious diarrhea that needs to get treated right away.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Bicillin CR

            How long does Bicillin CR shot last?
            After Bicillin CR gets injected into the muscle, the medication gets absorbed into the body slowly. It stays in your body for about 7 days. That's why some infections only need a few injections, or sometimes just one, to treat it. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about how long Bicillin CR lasts.
            What's the difference between Bicillin L-A and Bicillin CR?
            Don't confuse Bicillin CR with Bicillin L-A. They're not the same medication. Both are penicillin antibiotics that are injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional (HCP). But Bicillin CR has two types of penicillins in it, while Bicillin L-A has only one. Also, Bicillin L-A can be used to treat syphilis but Bicillin CR isn't approved for that. The doses for the two medications are also different. Talk to your HCP to learn more. They'll make sure you get the right antibiotic for your infection.
            Can Bicillin CR treat syphilis or gonorrhea?
            According to the manufacturer, no. Bicillin CR isn't FDA approved for treating syphilis or gonorrhea. Bicillin CR is not the same as Bicillin L-A, which can be used for syphilis. If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), talk to a healthcare professional about the right treatment for you.
            Is Bicillin CR the same as penicillin?
            Bicillin CR is the brand name for a type of penicillin antibiotic. It's a combination of penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine. This medication is given as an injection into the muscle. There are other types of penicillins used to treat different bacterial infections. These include penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) and penicillin G potassium (Pfizerpen). Talk to a healthcare professional if you have more questions.
            Where is the Bicillin CR injection given?
            A healthcare professional will give you the Bicillin CR injection deep into your muscle. For adults, it's usually the top, outer part of the buttock. And for newborns, infants, and young children, it's usually given into the middle of the thigh. These spots are safest because serious problems can happen if the medication is given too close to a vein, artery, or nerve by mistake. Bicillin CR shouldn't be given in the upper arm muscle. It should also never be injected directly into a blood vessel.
            Is Bicillin CR a painful injection?
            Pain is a normal side effect from the Bicillin CR injection. But it usually hurts less with Bicillin CR than with Bicillin L-A (a similar penicillin antibiotic also given as an injection into the muscle). This is because Bicillin CR contains penicillin G procaine. Procaine is related to local anesthetics that numb areas to reduce pain. Before giving the Bicillin CR injection, the healthcare professional (HCP) will make sure the medication is at room temperature. This can help the injection hurt less. If the pain is very strong or unbearable, tell the HCP so they can check what's going on and help you feel better.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Bicillin CR?

            Bicillin CR can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Serious or life-threatening problems when given incorrectly

            The healthcare professional should always give the Bicillin CR injection deep into a large muscle. The safest place to inject it is the top, outer part of the buttock or thigh.

            Bicillin CR should never be given into or near a vein or artery. It also shouldn't be mixed with other medications that go into the vein. If Bicillin CR is given into a vein by mistake, it might cause serious and fatal heart and lung problems. Also, giving the medication into or near an artery can cause serious damage and swelling to the area.

            In addition, don't inject Bicillin CR into or near a nerve. This could lead to nerve damage, including permanent paralysis. Tell your care team if you have severe pain or swelling after getting the Bicillin CR injection.

            risk-warning

            Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

            • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics | History of multiple allergies | Sensitivity to procaine | History of asthma

              Even though it's rare, Bicillin CR can cause a serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have hives, swelling in your face or neck, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in the throat. These are signs of a serious allergic reaction that needs treatment as soon as possible.

              Tell your prescriber about all your allergies to make sure Bicillin CR is safe for you. It might not be the safest option if you're allergic to penicillin or have many allergies. Allergic reactions might also happen if you've had a serious reaction to cephalosporin antibiotics like cephalexin.

              risk-warning

              Severe skin reaction

              Although it's rare, some people taking penicillin antibiotics like Bicillin CR have had serious skin reactions. They can sometimes be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you get a new painful rash, a rash with a fever, blisters or sores, or peeling skin.

              risk-warning

              Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

              • Risk factors: Taking Bicillin CR for a long time | Recent use of other antibiotics

                Antibiotics like Bicillin CR change the normal balance of bacteria in the gut. This raises the chance of an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in the gut. C. diff infection can cause diarrhea that's sometimes very serious.

                It's important to know the difference between regular diarrhea from antibiotics and C. diff diarrhea, which is a serious medical emergency. Watch for signs like a fast heart rate, fever, foul-smelling diarrhea, and very frequent bowel movements. Get medical help right away if you notice these symptoms so you can get treated. Note that C. diff diarrhea can even show up a few months after you finish taking Bicillin CR.

                risk-warning

                Methemoglobinemia (a type of blood problem)

                • Risk factors: Genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency | History of methemoglobinemia | History of lung or heart conditions | Age 6 months or younger | Exposure to oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid | Taking other medications that can cause methemoglobinemia

                  One of the ingredients in Bicillin CR is penicillin G procaine, which is related to the local anesthetic procaine. Local anesthetics like procaine have been linked to rare cases of methemoglobinemia. It's a serious blood problem that causes too little oxygen to get to parts of your body. If it's not treated quickly, it can be dangerous.

                  Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take before getting a Bicillin CR injection. Some medications can raise your risk of methemoglobinemia. Examples are nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and metoclopramide (Reglan).

                  Know the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia. They include pale, gray, or blue-colored skin; headache; trouble breathing; lightheadedness; and tiredness. These symptoms can happen right after the Bicillin CR injection or hours later. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.

                  dosage

                  Bicillin CR dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 package of 10 syringes of 1.2 million units per 2ml of Bicillin CR is $2404.28 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 8.61% off the average retail price of $2630.78.
                  package
                  Package
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  10 pediatric syringes of 1.2 million units per 2ml1 package$2404.28$2404.28
                  10 syringes of 1.2 million units per 2ml1 package$2404.28$2404.28

                  Typical dosing for Bicillin CR

                  This medication is given as an injection into the muscle, usually in the buttock. For babies and young children, the thigh muscle might be a better spot. It's given by a healthcare professional (HCP) at a medical office.

                  Bicillin CR

                  • Each injection contains 600,000 units of penicillin G benzathine and 600,000 units of penicillin G procaine.

                  • Strep throat, upper respiratory tract infection, skin or soft tissue infection, scarlet fever, or erysipelas: Most times, the HCP will give the dose using multiple injection sites during the same visit. Another option is to split the dose in half and give it to you on day 1 and day 3.

                    • Adults and children over 60 lbs: The typical dose is 2,400,000 units injected into the muscle once as a single dose.

                    • Children weighing 30 lbs to 60 lbs: The typical dose is 900,000 to 1,200,000 units injected into the muscle once as a single dose.

                    • Children under 30 lbs: The typical dose is 600,000 units injected into the muscle once as a single dose.

                  • Pneumonia or ear infection

                    • Adults: The typical dose is 1,200,000 units injected into the muscle, repeated every 2 or 3 days until your temperature is normal for 48 hours (2 days).

                    • Children: The typical dose is 600,000 units injected into the muscle, repeated every 2 or 3 days until your child's temperature becomes normal for 48 hours (2 days).

                  Bicillin C-R 900/300 (for children only)

                  • Each injection contains 900,000 units of penicillin G benzathine and 300,000 units of penicillin G procaine.

                  • Strep throat, upper respiratory tract infection, skin or soft tissue infection, scarlet fever, or erysipelas: The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle once as a single dose.

                  • Pneumonia or ear infection: The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle, repeated every 2 or 3 days until your child's temperature is normal for 48 hours (2 days).

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Bicillin CR and other drugs

                  Bicillin CR may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bicillin CR. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Bicillin CR cost?

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                  Bicillin CR contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Bicillin CR will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Bicillin CR?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bicillin CR. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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