Benzylpenicillin (BP)

Benzylpenicillin is the gold standard type of penicillin. Penicillin G is typically given parenterally, bypassing the intestines, because it is unstable in the highly acidic stomach. Because the drug is given parenterally, higher tissue concentrations of penicillin G can be achieved than is possible with phenoxymethylpenicillin. As an antibiotic, Penicillin G is noted to possess effectiveness mainly against Gram-positive organisms. Some Gram-negative organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are also reported to be susceptible to Penicillin G. Benzylpenicillin serum concentrations can be monitored either by traditional microbiological assay or by more modern chromatographic techniques. Such measurements can be useful to avoid central nervous system toxicity in any patient receiving large doses of the drug on a chronic basis, but they are especially relevant to patients with renal failure.