King Pharmaceuticals Inc. and the Food and Drug Administration are warning physicians about the inappropriate use of Bicillin C-R (penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine injectable suspension) for the treatment of syphilis.
Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) is the only currently approved penicillin G benzathine product indicated for use in sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis.
The company has received postmarketing reports from several STD clinics in the United States where Bicillin C-R was used instead of Bicillin L-A to treat patients with syphilis.
The company is changing the packaging and syringe labels of Bicillin C-R to highlight the distinction between that product and Bicillin L-A.
There also have been reports of inadvertent intravenous administration of both drugs, which has been associated with cardiorespiratory arrest and death. The correct way to administer both drugs is by deep intramuscular injection. The warning sections of both labels have been changed to more prominently emphasize proper administration.
For more information, contact King Pharmaceuticals by calling 800-546-4905.