Bicillin CR vs. Bicillin L-A for Skin Infection and Pneumonia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Bicillin CR

Bicillin L-A

(penicillin G benzathine)

Summary for Bicillin CR

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Bicillin CR

Strep throat
Upper respiratory tract infection caused by Streptococcus
Pneumonia caused by certain Streptococcus bacteria
Ear infection caused by certain Streptococcus bacteria
Skin and soft tissue infection caused by Streptococcus
Scarlet fever
Erysipelas (infection of the outer layer of the skin)

Pros and Cons for Bicillin CR

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

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

Common Side Effects for Bicillin CR

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

Warnings for Bicillin CR

Serious or life-threatening problems when given incorrectly
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Severe skin reaction
Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
Methemoglobinemia (a type of blood problem)

Summary for Bicillin L-A

Prescription only

Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) is a medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including syphilis and strep throat. It's an antibiotic shot that's injected into your muscle (intramuscular). Depending on what you need it for, you might only need to receive it once. People of all ages can receive this antibiotic from a healthcare professional (HCP) at a hospital or clinic. The most common side effect is pain at the site of the injection.

Indications for Bicillin L-A

Certain upper respiratory tract infections like strep throat
Syphilis
Syphilis-like infections: bejel, yaws, and pinta
Prevention of rheumatic fever and kidney damage

Pros and Cons for Bicillin L-A

Pros

First-choice antibiotic for syphilis
Might only need a single dose for treatment
A good choice if you can't take medications by mouth

Cons

Only available as a deep muscle injection, usually in the buttock or thigh
Typically needs to be given in a hospital or clinic
Can cause diarrhea like most other antibiotics

Common Side Effects for Bicillin L-A

Pain at the injection site

Warnings for Bicillin L-A

Deep muscle injection only
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Severe skin reactions
Severe diarrhea

Prices with our coupons for Bicillin CR vs. Bicillin L-A

Bicillin CR1 package / 10 syringes of 1.2 million units per 2ml

$2,340.19$2,917.49

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Bicillin L-A1 package / 10 syringes of 2.4 million units per 4ml

$8,790.47$9,938.25

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Bicillin CR vs. Bicillin L-A

Bicillin CR

Bicillin L-A

Summary for Bicillin CR

Indications for Bicillin CR

Pros and Cons for Bicillin CR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bicillin CR

Warnings for Bicillin CR

Summary for Bicillin L-A

Indications for Bicillin L-A

Pros and Cons for Bicillin L-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bicillin L-A

Warnings for Bicillin L-A

Prices with our coupons for Bicillin CR vs. Bicillin L-A

Browse medications by letter

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Bicillin CR

Bicillin L-A

Summary for Bicillin CR

Indications for Bicillin CR

Pros and Cons for Bicillin CR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bicillin CR

Warnings for Bicillin CR

Summary for Bicillin L-A

Indications for Bicillin L-A

Pros and Cons for Bicillin L-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bicillin L-A

Warnings for Bicillin L-A