Benzylpenicillin

For most infections, doses of 0.6 to 4.8 g of benzylpenicillin daily in 2 to 4 divided doses by intramuscular or slow intravenous injection or intravenous infusion may be adequate, but higher doses given intravenously, often by infusion, are more usual for severe infections. Mild to moderate susceptible infections [including throat infec- tions, otitis media, pneumonia, cellulitis, neonatal sepsis]. By intramuscular injection or by slow intravenous injection or infusion [intravenous route recommended in neonates and infants] Neonate under 7 days: 25 mg/kg every 12 hours; dose doubled in severe infection. Neonate 728 days: 25 mg/kg every 8 hours; dose doubled in severe infection Child 1 month18 years: 25 mg/kg every 6 hours; increased to 50 mg/kg every 46 hours [max. 2.4 g every 4 hours] in severe infection Endocarditis [combined with another antibacte- rial if necessary] By slow intravenous injection or infusion Child 1 month18 years: 25 mg/kg every 4 hours, increased if necessary to 50 mg/kg [max. 2.4 g] every 4 hours Meningitis, meningococcal disease By slow intravenous injection or infusion Neonate: 75 mg/kg every 8 hours Child 1 month18 years: 50 mg/kg every 46 hours [max. 2.4 g every 4 hours] Proven or suspected neonatal group B strepto- coccus infection By slow intravenous injection or infusion Neonate under 7 days: 50 mg/kg every 12 hours Neonate 728 days: 50 mg/kg every 8 hours

See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.