Penicillin G: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Therapy: Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label e0ced9d8…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Therapy: Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below. Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be done before treatment in order to isolate and identify organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility to penicillin G. Therapy with Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP may be initiated before results of such tests are known when there is reason to believe the infection may involve any of the organisms listed below, however, once these results become available, appropriate therapy should be continued. Clinical Indication | Infecting Organism | Septicemia, empyema, pneumonia, pericarditis, endocarditis, meningitis | Streptococcus pyogenes (group A β-hemolytic streptococcus), other β-hemolytic streptococci including groups C,H,G,L and M, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus species (non-penicillinase producing strains) | Anthrax | Bacillus anthracis | Actinomycosis (cervico-facial disease and thoracic and abdominal disease) | Actinomyces israelii | Botulism (adjunctive therapy to antitoxin), gas gangrene,…
Conditions associated with Penicillin G in labeling
Botulism
Botulism is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Endocarditis
Infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, which can cause fever, fatigue, and heart murm...
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. Can be life-threa...
Pneumonia
Infection of the lung tissue that can cause cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Can be caused by b...
Rat-bite fever
Rat-bite fever is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Sepsis
A life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penicillin G used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Penicillin G?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Penicillin G require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Penicillin G.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.