WARNING

Bicillin CR 900/300 is a combination antibiotic medication containing penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine. Like any medication, it carries potential risks, including:

• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to penicillin, which can lead to mild to severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Antibiotic resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics like Bicillin CR 900/300 can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat in the future.
• Side effects: Common side effects of Bicillin CR 900/300 may include pain or discomfort at the injection site, fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Interaction with other medications: Bicillin CR 900/300 may interact with other medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Overdose: Taking too much Bicillin CR 900/300 can lead to an overdose, which may cause severe symptoms such as seizures or neurological issues.

It’s important to use Bicillin CR 900/300 only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to discuss any concerns or potential risks with them before starting treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bicillin CR 900/300 is prescribed primarily for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is commonly used for the treatment of:

• Streptococcal infections: Bicillin CR 900/300 is often prescribed to treat infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria, including strep throat and rheumatic fever.
• Syphilis: Bicillin CR 900/300 is also used in the treatment of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
• Other bacterial infections: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe Bicillin CR 900/300 for other bacterial infections when appropriate.

How should this medicine be used?

Bicillin CR 900/300 is a long-acting penicillin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It’s typically administered by a healthcare professional via intramuscular injection. The dosage and frequency of injections depend on the severity of the infection, the patient’s weight, age, and medical history, and the prescribing physician’s recommendations.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using Bicillin CR 900/300. They will determine the appropriate dosage and injection schedule based on your specific condition. Do not self-administer this medication or change the dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Additionally, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and may cause the infection to return.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Bicillin CR 900/300, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Aside from its primary indications, Bicillin CR 900/300 may be used off-label for other bacterial infections when deemed appropriate by a healthcare professional. However, it’s essential to use antibiotics judiciously and only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance and adverse effects.

What special precautions should I follow?

Some special precautions to keep in mind when using Bicillin CR 900/300 include:

• Allergy: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to penicillin or any other beta-lactam antibiotics. Allergic reactions to penicillin can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
• Medical history: Provide your healthcare provider with a complete medical history, including any previous allergic reactions, kidney problems, liver problems, or other medical conditions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Bicillin CR 900/300 can be used during pregnancy when necessary, but the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed by the healthcare provider.
• Drug interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Bicillin CR 900/300 may interact with certain medications, such as oral contraceptives or anticoagulants.
• Injection site reactions: Bicillin CR 900/300 is administered via intramuscular injection and may cause discomfort or pain at the injection site. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
• Incomplete treatment: Ensure that you complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform periodic blood tests to monitor your response to treatment and check for any potential side effects or complications.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about the use of Bicillin CR 900/300.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for Bicillin CR 900/300 are generally not required. However, it’s essential to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding diet or fluid intake.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Bicillin CR 900/300, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. They may advise you to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or they may adjust your dosing schedule accordingly. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed dose unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Bicillin CR 900/300, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects of Bicillin CR 900/300 may include:

• Injection site reactions: Pain, discomfort, swelling, or redness at the injection site are common side effects of intramuscular injections, including Bicillin CR 900/300.
• Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain may occur in some individuals.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to penicillin, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness.
• Fever and chills: Some individuals may experience fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms after receiving Bicillin CR 900/300 injections.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect reported by some individuals taking Bicillin CR 900/300.
• Neurological effects: Rarely, Bicillin CR 900/300 may cause neurological side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or seizures.
• Other side effects: Less common side effects may include fatigue, muscle or joint pain, and changes in blood cell counts.

It’s essential to report any side effects or adverse reactions to your healthcare provider promptly. In some cases, side effects may require medical attention or adjustments to your treatment plan. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, seek medical help immediately.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to storage and disposal of Bicillin CR 900/300, here’s what you should know:

• Storage:
  • Store Bicillin CR 900/300 vials or injections at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
  • Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Do not freeze the medication.
  • Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of any unused or expired Bicillin CR 900/300 according to local regulations or guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  • Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek immediate medical attention: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Poison control: You can also contact your local poison control center for guidance on what to do in case of overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Complete the full course of treatment: Even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished, it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure that the infection is fully treated and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Follow instructions: Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding dosage, administration, and any special precautions or dietary restrictions.
• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform periodic blood tests or other monitoring to assess your response to treatment and check for any potential side effects or complications.
• Inform healthcare providers: Make sure to inform any healthcare providers you see, including dentists and specialists, about all medications you are taking, including Bicillin CR 900/300, to avoid potential drug interactions or complications.
• Follow-up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure the infection is adequately treated.