Bicillin CR
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Bicillin L-A
(penicillin G benzathine)
Get free couponsSummary for Bicillin CR
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
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
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