FieldDx

Drug reference · Penicillin G

Penicillin GDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cattle, Horses, Pigs and Sheep.

What it is used for

Beta-lactam antibiotic available in various salt formulations. Susceptible bacterial infections.

Dose by species

Dose20000–40000 units/kg IV q6–8hSmall animals
Dose20000–40000 units/kg IM q12–24hSmall animals
Dose10 mg/kg PO q8hSmall animals
Dose22000–66000 units/kg IM q24hCattle and Sheep
Dose20000 units/kg IM q6hCattle and Sheep
Dose15000–25000 units/kg IM q24hPigs

Doses are shown as published, not averaged across sources. Enter the animal’s body weight in the interactive drug guide to calculate the amount.

How it works

Time-dependent, bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic.

Do not use in

Use cautiously in animals allergic to penicillin-like drugs. Avoid injection volumes greater than 30 mL per site. Administration of the longacting benzathine form of penicillin G increases the risk of residues in food-producing animals.

Main adverse effects

Penicillin G has a high safety margin and is usually well tolerated. Allergic reactions are possible. Diarrhea is common with oral doses, but oral forms are rarely used. Pain and tissue reactions may occur with IM or SQ injections. Formulations of procaine penicillin G contain varying amounts of free procaine (depending on the formulation). Free procaine in the formulation may elicit a central nervous system (CNS) reaction after injection in some horses.

Monitoring

Susceptibility testing: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoint for susceptible equine pathogens (Streptococcus equi and Staphylococcus spp.) is ≤0.5 mcg/mL. The breakpoint for bovine isolates causing bovine respiratory disease is ≤0.25 mcg/mL.

Withdrawal

A withdrawal interval is stated for this drug. It depends on the formulation, route and dose, so read the exact wording in the interactive drug guide before treating a food animal.

Conditions it is used for

Anthrax Tick Pyemia of Lambs (Enzootic Staphylococcosis of Lambs) Septicemic Pasteurellosis of Cattle Tick Pyemia of Lambs (Enzootic Staphylococcosis) Tyzzer Disease Streptococcal Lymphadenitis of Swine Black Quarter Infectious Balanoposthitis

Similar drugs

Amoxicillin Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Ampicillin Cefpodoxime Ceftiofur HCl

Source

Plumb (p. 805).

Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition (p. 711)

Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.