How do you take Procaine Benzylpenicillin?

This drug is given as an injection into the muscle (usually the buttocks), NOT into a vein. Adults usually receive 600,000 to 1.2 million units once daily. A trained health worker or nurse must give you this injection; do not attempt to inject yourself at home. Your doctor will decide how many days you need it based on your infection.

What are the side effects of Procaine Benzylpenicillin?

Pain or swelling at the injection site, mild skin rash, mild diarrhea or stomach upset, slight fever after injection

Who should not take Procaine Benzylpenicillin?

People who are allergic to penicillin or any penicillin-type antibiotics (if you have ever had a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking penicillin or amoxicillin, tell your doctor immediately). People with a known allergy to procaine (a local anaesthetic). People with severe kidney problems should use it with caution and only under a doctor's supervision.

Prescription

Antibiotic (Penicillin)

Procaine Benzylpenicillin

Q: What is Procaine Benzylpenicillin used for?

Syphilis, gonorrhea, chest infections (pneumonia), skin infections, sore throat from bacteria, wound infections, yaws

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Procaine Benzylpenicillin is an antibiotic injection that kills bacteria causing infections. It works by stopping bacteria from building their protective walls, which causes them to die. The 'procaine' part helps the drug release slowly so it lasts longer in your body.

How it works

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking, leading to bacterial cell wall degradation and cell death.

What is it used for?

Syphilisgonorrheachest infections (pneumonia)skin infectionssore throat from bacteriawound infectionsyaws

Browse by condition

Bacterial Infections Meningitis Pneumonia Skin Infections STIs & Sexual Health Syphilis Throat & Chest Infections Throat & Tonsil Infections

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Always complete the full course of injections your doctor prescribed, stopping early because you feel better can make the infection come back stronger and harder to treat. Only get this injection from a qualified health worker at a hospital or registered clinic, never from roadside medicine sellers. Make sure the powder is properly mixed and the injection site is clean to avoid infections or abscesses.

Common Side Effects

Pain or swelling at the injection site
mild skin rash
mild diarrhea or stomach upset
slight fever after injection

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing
swelling of the face or throat
or widespread rash with itching (this can be life-threatening, go to the hospital immediately). Severe skin peeling or blistering. Seizures or convulsions
especially if the drug is accidentally injected into a vein.

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate (used for some serious illnesses): penicillin can increase its side effects. Probenecid (used for gout): makes penicillin stay longer in the body, which may increase side effects. Blood-thinning drugs like warfarin: penicillin may affect how well they work. Alcohol does not directly interact, but avoid it when you are fighting an infection.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Procaine Benzylpenicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always consult your doctor before using it to make sure it is right for your situation.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to penicillin or any penicillin-type antibiotics (if you have ever had a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking penicillin or amoxicillin, tell your doctor immediately). People with a known allergy to procaine (a local anaesthetic). People with severe kidney problems should use it with caution and only under a doctor's supervision.

How to Store

Store the powder in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in hot rooms. Once mixed with water, use it immediately or within a few hours. Keep away from children at all times.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.