Bicillin L-A

Gas Gangrene, Botulism, Anthrax + 20 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Bicillin L-A

Treatment for

Gas Gangrene

What is Bicillin L-A

Benzylpenicillin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Natural penicillins are the best drugs to treat certain infections caused by susceptible gram positive aerobic organisms like streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. It is usually given intravenously or intramuscularly due to poor oral absorption. Benzylpenicillin can also be used as a preventative medication against certain types of bacteria. It may also be used to treat certain gram positive aerobic bacilli such as anthrax and diphtheria, as well as some infections caused by gram

Bicillin L-A

is the brand name

Bicillin L-A Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Bicillin L-A

Benzylpenicillin

1952

Effectiveness

How Bicillin L-A Affects Patients

Penicillin G is an antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections. It is part of a group of antibiotics known as penicillins. It works by stopping the bacteria from forming walls that protect and help them grow, and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Penicillin G is resistant to most beta-lactamases, which are enzymes used by bacteria to break down antibiotics.

How Bicillin L-A works in the body

Penicillin G works by attaching to proteins inside the bacterial cell wall, stopping the cell wall from finishing its growth. This causes the cell to break apart, using enzymes that are naturally found in the cell. Penicillin G may also block an enzyme that helps keep the cell from breaking down.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Bicillin L-A is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as rat bite fever, Haverhill fever and Actinomycosis. The amount of dosage is dependent upon the technique of administration (e.g. Intramuscular; Intravenous or Injection, suspension) as illustrated in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Botulism

, 5000000.0 [iU], 20000000.0 [iU], 5000000.0 [USP'U], 1200000.0 [iU]/mL, 5000000.0 units, 1000000.0 units, 10000000.0 units, 500000.0 units, 600000.0 [iU]/mL, 2400000.0 [iU]/mL, 100000.0 [iU]/mL, 200000.0 [iU]/mL, 300000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000000.0 [iU], 900000.0 [iU]/mL, 500000.0 units/mL, 1200000.0 units/mL, 250000.0 units/mL, 900000.0 units/mL, 300000.0 units/mL

Injection, powder, for solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, , Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intramuscular; Intrapleural; Intrathecal; Intravenous, Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intrapleural; Intrathecal; Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Powder, for solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Suspension, Suspension - Intramuscular, Suspension - Oral, Injection, suspension - Intramuscular, Injection, suspension, Intramuscular, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intramuscular

Empyema

Pericarditis

Gonorrhea

Fusospirochetosis

Rat-Bite Fever

Rheumatic Fever

Actinomycosis

Listeriosis

Endocarditis

Lockjaw

Syphilis

Endocarditis

Communicable Diseases

Rat-Bite Fever

Meningitis, Meningococcal

Gas Gangrene

Anthrax

Diphtheria

Bacterial Meningitis

Warnings

Bicillin L-A has one contraindication. It should not be ingested when encountering any of the conditions outlined in the following table.

Bicillin L-A Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Benzylpenicillin may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Bicillin L-A.

Common Bicillin L-A Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Benzylpenicillin.

Adefovir dipivoxil

Minor

The excretion of Adefovir dipivoxil can be decreased when combined with Benzylpenicillin.

Chlormadinone

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of Chlormadinone can be decreased when used in combination with Benzylpenicillin.

Cidofovir

Minor

The excretion of Cidofovir can be decreased when combined with Benzylpenicillin.

Cloprostenol

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of Cloprostenol can be decreased when used in combination with Benzylpenicillin.

Bicillin L-A Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of penicillin in rats has been found to be 8900mg/kg. High concentrations of the drug in the cerebral spinal fluid can lead to convulsions, and prolonged use of high doses can cause a decrease in white blood cells.

Bicillin L-A Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Bicillin L-A?

There are 85 active trials presently assessing the utility of Bicillin L-A in treating Pneumonia, Acute Rheumatic Fever and Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pneumonia

17 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4

Lockjaw

0 Actively Recruiting

Communicable Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Rheumatic Fever

0 Actively Recruiting

Botulism

0 Actively Recruiting

Bacterial Meningitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Fusospirochetosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Meningitis, Meningococcal

0 Actively Recruiting

Anthrax

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Gas Gangrene

0 Actively Recruiting

Empyema

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4

Listeriosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Actinomycosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Diphtheria

0 Actively Recruiting

Rat-Bite Fever

0 Actively Recruiting

Endocarditis

0 Actively Recruiting

Pericarditis

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3

Endocarditis

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Sepsis

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Bicillin L-A Reviews: What are patients saying about Bicillin L-A?

Patient Review

12/16/2014

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

Even though it's expensive, this treatment is definitely worth it. My son felt much better the day after being injected with this antibiotic.

Patient Review

11/4/2019

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I had strep throat and was given amoxicillin, but it didn't seem to help after four days. So my doctor gave me this bicillin shot instead and I felt SO much better almost immediately! Not only did my sore throat get better, but my body aches went away too. The shot stung a bit, but it wasn't bad at all compared to how I was feeling before.

Patient Review

4/9/2017

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I found myself in the ER early Saturday morning with swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, and overall neck pain. The doctor diagnosed me with strep throat and gave me the option of an IM antibiotic along with a steroid pill. I felt better hours later, but experienced some stomach pain during the night and following day. The shot hurts, but it's better than having to swallow giant pills for 10 days.

Patient Review

10/11/2021

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I felt awful going in, but noticed a drastic improvement just four hours later. It was like night and day. The needle hurts a bit, but the pain is manageable and totally worth it when you're feeling better the next day.

Patient Review

1/26/2011

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I had a really severe strep infection and this medication cleared it up overnight. I woke up feeling great the next morning.

4.7

Patient Review

8/4/2012

Bicillin L-A for Syphilis

This medication was very effective at clearing up my symptoms and reducing the levels of the virus in my blood. It took a few weeks to start working, but it was well worth the wait.

4.3

Patient Review

2/23/2017

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I was diagnosed with strep throat and given a shot. The treatment was pretty effective, though it did leave me sore the next day.

Patient Review

2/16/2017

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

The shot was painful, but it took care of the strep throat within an hour. I'm really glad I got it.

3.3

Patient Review

2/18/2012

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I was given this injection at the ER after a strep test came back positive. I felt much better after 24 hours, although the injection site was sore for a couple days afterwards. I was also given oral steroids to relieve swelling in my throat. My family doctor prescribed 10 days of amoxicillin about 18 hours later; however, I have since developed diarrhea and feel like vomiting.

3.3

Patient Review

7/12/2010

Bicillin L-A for Rheumatic Fever Prevention

It took a long time and multiple specialists to arrive at a diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever for my son, but the treatment plan of Bicillin LA shots every 4 weeks has been working so far. He says the shots are painful, but not as bad as living with the symptoms was.

Patient Review

4/9/2013

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

My daughter had strep throat that was missed by our doctor the first week she had it. She was tested this week, and got an injection because she doesn't like taking medicine. Today, she is very sore from the shot, but her sore throat and vomiting are gone. Hopefully she will be able to walk tomorrow so she can go back to school; she has already missed five days.

2.3

Patient Review

10/15/2015

Bicillin L-A for Early Stage of Syphilis with No Symptoms

I had a pretty bad experience with this treatment. I was given one shot for exposure to syphilis, and a few hours later I started running a fever and feeling flu-like symptoms. My friend found me at 1am in the ER covered in bags of ice, with a 105 degree fever and unresponsive. The Jarisch-herxheimer reaction almost killed me, and I spent 36 hours in the hospital under observation.

2.3

Patient Review

1/18/2012

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

Cleared up the strep, but caused me to have a seizure (which I have never had before). It was a horrible experience. I couldn't get out of bed the entire next day. Felt like I had been hit by a truck. The vaccination site was extremely sore for a few days, and the shot in the buttocks was not a fun experience either...very painful.

Patient Review

6/7/2015

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I had a really terrible experience with this treatment. The shot was painful and didn't do anything. I went back to the doctor and argued for something else until they finally prescribed Clindamycin. Within 6-12 hours I could tell it was working better.

1.7

Patient Review

8/5/2021

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

I received this shot in the ER and felt much better afterwards, but the next day my throat was worse than it had been before. I'm going back to the doctor tomorrow if it doesn't improve.

1.7

Patient Review

5/5/2016

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

I received this treatment two days ago and I am still in an incredible amount of pain. It hurts to walk, and I feel like I got hit by a truck. I would never recommend this to anyone.

1.3

Patient Review

3/19/2013

Bicillin L-A for Strep Throat

The pain was unbearable. She didn't give me the shot in my butt like I asked, but rather in my side which caused immense back and leg pain.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about bicillin l-a

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What's the difference between Bicillin CR and LA?

"Bicillin L-A is a recommended treatment for syphilis and upper respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible streptococci. The efficacy of Bicillin C-R for treating syphilis is unknown, but it is indicated for streptococcal infections of the skin and respiratory tract."

Answered by AI

Where is bicillin injection given?

"The recommended site for intramuscular injection in adults is the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock (dorsogluteal). In neonates, infants, and small children, the midlateral aspect of the thigh may be preferable. When doses are repeated, vary the injection site."

Answered by AI

How long does Bicillin L-A stay in your system?

"The blood levels may take up to 10 days to return to normal after 600,000 units have been administered, and up to 14 days after 1,200,000 units have been administered. Blood concentrations of 0.003 units per mL may still be detectable 4 weeks after 1,200,000 units have been administered."

Answered by AI

What is Bicillin L-A used for?

"This drug is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent certain infections such as rheumatic fever. This drug will not work against infections caused by viruses such as colds or flu."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Bicillin L-A

Image of Children's of Alabama in Birmingham, United States.

Antibiotic Duration for Infections in Children

60 - 17

All Sexes

Birmingham, AL

Infections like pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection (also called SSTI or cellulitis), and urinary tract infections (UTI) are some of the most common reasons children get admitted to the hospital. All three of these conditions require antibiotics for treatment. Although antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and help children feel better, taking them longer than needed can negatively impact children and their families. Negative impacts include things like the burdens of taking more medications and medication side effects. There are guidelines (instructions) from expert medical organizations that suggest the number of days children need antibiotics, but they give a wide range (between 5 and 14 days). Unfortunately, these guidelines are not based on high-quality studies. National data suggests that doctors often choose on the higher end of this range when writing prescriptions for children in the hospital. Our three caregiver co-investigators, other parents of hospitalized children, doctors, other care providers, and researchers, all believe that additional study is needed to determine the best length of antibiotic treatment that weighs both the benefits and harms of antibiotics. The goal of our study is to understand if 5 total days of antibiotic treatment compared to 10 total days of antibiotic treatment is better for children who have been in the hospital for pneumonia, SSTI, or UTI. We will study this question through a randomized control trial. In other words, half of the children will receive 5-days of antibiotics and the other half will receive 10-days of antibiotics. Children in this study (and their caregivers) will not know how many days of antibiotics they will receive to cure their infection because some children will take a placebo (or a pill without antibiotics in it). Only the pharmacy will know if a child is getting antibiotic or placebo (for days 6-10 of treatment). During the first phase of the trial (feasibility phase), 4 hospitals will enroll children in the study. We plan on enrolling 50 patients during this phase. We are starting with just 4 hospitals, so our study team can create and update our study plans if needed. We will closely review information about how many patients and families agree to participate, and if they have any trouble completing any part of the study. We will also interview families to understand the choice to participate in the study, the choice not to participate in the study, and what it is like to be in the study. During the second study phase, we will enroll 1150 more patients across all 11 hospitals. Families will complete short, daily surveys until the 15th day after they started antibiotics, then a larger survey at day 15, at day 20, and at day 30. These surveys will ask about the child's symptoms and recovery from their illness, how the antibiotics are making them feel, and if they had to go back to their doctor, emergency room, or hospital. The answers to these questions will be combined to measure how well the child did, balancing feeling better and having bad effects from the antibiotics. We will use mathematical tests to determine which antibiotic duration is better for treating these illnesses. We will complete other mathematical tests to see if all children should receive the same length of antibiotics or if certain children should be prescribed shorter courses and others longer courses.

Phase 4

Waitlist Available

Drug

Children's of Alabama (+9 Sites)

Sunitha V Kaiser, MD, MSc