Benzathine Benzylpenicillin I.P. (also known as Benzathine Penicillin G) is a long-acting form of Penicillin G, designed for deep intramuscular injection. In veterinary medicine, it provides prolonged therapeutic blood levels of penicillin, making it suitable for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by penicillin-sensitive organisms in livestock and companion animals.

After intramuscular injection, it slowly hydrolyses to Benzylpenicillin, maintaining effective blood concentrations over an extended period — often up to 7 days or more, depending on species and dose.

•  Dosage Form: Sterile dry powder for injection

•  Appearance (Dry Powder): White crystalline powder

•  Appearance (Reconstituted): Milky or cloudy suspension

•  Solubility: Poorly water-soluble, forms depot at injection site

•  Sterility: Complies with Indian Pharmacopoeia (I.P.) standards

•  Assay: Not less than 95% of labelled potency

•  Container: Type I glass vial, sealed with rubber stopper and aluminium cap

Each vial contains:

•  Benzathine Benzylpenicillin I.P. – 4,800,000 IU (48 Lacs)

•  Excipients: q.s. for formulation stability

•  Sterile Water for Injection: Supplied separately for reconstitution

•  Therapeutic Class: Long-acting β-lactam antibiotic

•  Mechanism of Action: Benzylpenicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis and death. The benzathine salt form allows for slow absorption from the injection site, giving prolonged action

Indicated in the treatment or prophylaxis of penicillin-sensitive bacterial infections in:

•  Respiratory tract infections

•  Metritis, mastitis

•  Joint and skin infections

•  Septicaemia

•  Erysipelas

•  Actinomycosis

•  Prevention of infections in surgical cases or post-partum

•  Chronic infections requiring sustained blood levels

Applicable for use in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and other large animals under veterinary guidance.

Route:

•  Deep Intramuscular (I.M.) injection only

Dosage (General):

•  Cattle/Horses: 10,000 – 30,000 IU/kg body weight

•  Sheep/Goats/Pigs: 20,000 – 40,000 IU/kg body weight

•  Duration: Typically single injection for prophylaxis; repeat after 72–96 hours if needed for treatment

Shake well before use; suspension must be uniform before administration.

•  Sterile dry powder in vial

•  Each pack contains:

o  1 vial of 4.8 million IU

o  1 ampoule of sterile water for injection

o  Packaged in mono carton/tray

•  Long-acting antibacterial effect with single injection

•  Reduces handling frequency and animal stress

•  Suitable for both treatment and prevention

•  Widely effective against penicillin-susceptible pathogens

•  Cost-effective and time-saving

•  Local swelling or pain at injection site

•  Hypersensitivity (including anaphylaxis — rare but serious)

•  Fever or allergic skin reactions

•  Superinfection with resistant organisms (rare, with prolonged use)

•  Not for intravenous use — intramuscular only

•  Do not use in animals allergic to penicillin’s

•  Inject deeply to avoid local irritation or abscess formation

•  Always conduct a test dose in sensitive animals

•  Avoid use in small pets unless under strict veterinary prescription

•  Meat: Minimum 30 days

•  Milk: Minimum 7 days

Withdrawal periods must comply with national regulatory requirements

•  Store below 25°C in a dry place

•  Protect from light and moisture

•  Do not freeze

•  Reconstituted suspension should be used immediately

•  Shake well before use

•  Dispose of any unused portion safely

•  Prescription-only veterinary medicine

•  Regulated under Schedule H (India) or equivalent

•  Not intended for human use

•  HS Code (International): 3004.10 – Penicillin’s and derivatives

•  HSN Code (India): 3004.10.20 – Benzathine Benzylpenicillin for veterinary use

•  Reconstitute with supplied sterile water only

•  Use aseptic technique during preparation and administration

•  Observe animals for 30 minutes post-injection for any allergic reaction

•  Complete full prescribed treatment to avoid relapse or resistance

•  Maintain cold chain if needed for distribution

Q1: What is Benzathine Benzylpenicillin used for in animals?

A: It's used for long-acting treatment and prevention of penicillin-sensitive infections like respiratory disease, mastitis, and septicaemia.

Q2: Can it be given intravenously?

A: No. It is strictly for deep intramuscular use only due to its formulation.

Q3: How often should the dose be repeated?

A: Generally every 3–5 days if needed, based on the animal's condition and veterinary recommendation.

Q4: Is there any risk of allergic reaction?

A: Yes, though rare. Monitor the animal closely, especially after first administration.

Q5: Can it be used in lactating animals?

A: Yes, but observe the milk withdrawal period (minimum 7 days or as per regulations).