Presentation of benzylpenicillin is changing

The Trust’s medicine management group has taken the decision to change the presentation of the benzylpenicillin sodium powder that we carry.

The benzylpenicillin sodium 1200mg ‘powder for injection’ looks different to our current presentation, and now comes with an orange cap and clear labelling for ease of recognition.  Prior to preparing and administering benzylpenicillin, it is important that you take time to confirm the presentation.

The change in presentation will not affect the dose administered to patients - the Clinical Practice Guidelines 2016 dosage and administration tables still stand: 

• For IV/IO administration route, always draw up the full dose of benzylpenicillin in 20ml water for injection, and then administer the appropriate volume as per dosage and administration tables
• For IM administration route, always draw up the full dose of benzylpenicillin in 3.2ml water for injection, and then administer the appropriate volume as per dosage and administration tables.

If you are unsure or have any queries, please remember you can always call the Clinical Advice Line (CAL) on 07753 950843, or for non-immediate queries email the area clinical lead team at clinical.leads@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Published 2nd June, 2016