Why Is Procaine Penicillin Not Given Intravenously?

Penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine injection should never be given intravenously (into a vein), because this may cause serious or life-threatening side effects or death.

Why is penicillin given intravenously?

Answer: We use intravenous antibiotics for very severe infections, such as sepsis because intravenous antibiotics reach tissues faster and at higher concentrations than oral antibiotics.

Why is penicillin combined with procaine?

This drug is used where prolonged exposure to benzylpenicillin at a low concentration is required. This combination is aimed at reducing the pain and discomfort associated with a large intramuscular injection of penicillin.