Synonyms
Crystapen; Benzylpenicillin sodium; BENZYLPENICILLIN SODIUM SALT; American penicillin; Sodium penicillin G
Molecular Formula
C16H17N2NaO4S
Smiles
CC1([C@@H](N2[C@H](S1)[C@@H](C2=O)NC(=O)CC3=CC=CC=C3)C(=O)[O-])C.[Na+]
Appearance
White to slightly yellow crystalline powder
General Description
Penicillin G sodium is a natural, parenteral beta-lactam antibiotic derived from Penicillium chrysogenum and represents the original member of the penicillin family. It is available as a crystalline powder for reconstitution and intravenous or intramuscular administration. The drug is acid-labile and therefore ineffective orally, necessitating injectable delivery for systemic effect.
Mechanism of Action
Penicillin G exerts bactericidal activity by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits transpeptidase enzymes responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycan strands, disrupting cell wall synthesis. The resultant loss of structural integrity leads to osmotic lysis, particularly during active bacterial replication. The drug is most effective against gram-positive organisms and certain spirochetes.
Application
This antibiotic remains the drug of choice for infections caused by non-resistant streptococci, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Clostridium perfringens, and Neisseria meningitidis. It is also used for pneumococcal pneumonia and endocarditis due to penicillin-susceptible strains. High doses are required for central nervous system infections due to limited penetration, and resistance mediated by beta-lactamase is increasingly encountered.
In this multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial (249 participants, 61% HIV‑positive), patients with early syphilis received either one or three weekly doses of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units each). The primary endpoint—serologic response (≥4‑fold RPR titer drop or seroreversion) at 6 months—was achieved in 76% of the single‑dose group versus 70% of the three‑dose group (difference –6 percentage points; noninferiority margin 10%). No clinical relapses occurred. A single dose is noninferior to three doses for early syphilis, regardless of HIV status, supporting simplified treatment.
Fig. 1 Serological Response to Benzathine Penicillin (95% CI) Therapy Stratified by Stage and Treatment Group. (Hook EW 3rd, et al., 2025)
References
- Hook EW 3rd, et al. One Dose versus Three Doses of Benzathine Penicillin G in Early Syphilis. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(9):869-878.
Does Penicillin G Sodium require refrigerated storage as a beta-lactam antibiotic?
Yes, it must be stored at 2-8°C. At room temperature, rapid hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring occurs, leading to significant potency loss.
Is Penicillin G Sodium extremely moisture-sensitive, and how is this prevented?
Yes, it is highly hygroscopic. Our packaging includes moisture-barrier vials or foil bags with desiccant, and the material should be opened only in low-humidity environments.
What is the stability of Penicillin G Sodium after reconstitution for injection?
Reconstituted solutions have limited stability (typically 24-48 hours under refrigeration). We provide detailed in-use stability data for various diluents and storage conditions.
How is the impurity penicilloic acid monitored during stability?
This primary hydrolysis product is specifically quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method, ensuring it remains below pharmacopoeial limits.