Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTOCILL versus BICILLIN L A.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTOCILL versus BICILLIN L A.
BACTOCILL vs BICILLIN L-A
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
BACTOCILL (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby inhibiting transpeptidation and autolysin inhibitors. Active against Staphylococcus aureus and other gram-positive bacteria.
Penicillin G benzathine is a slow-release formulation that provides prolonged tissue concentrations. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation, and activating autolytic enzymes, leading to cell lysis.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours or 1-2 g intravenously every 4-6 hours
1.2 million units intramuscularly as a single dose for treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis; for syphilis, 2.4 million units intramuscularly weekly for 1-3 weeks depending on stage.
None Documented
None Documented
0.5-0.8 hours; prolonged to 2-4 hours in severe renal impairment
Terminal half-life: 30-60 hours (prolonged due to slow absorption from IM depot; clinically allows single-dose regimen for syphilis)
Renal: 60-70% unchanged; biliary: 20-30% as active metabolite; fecal: 5-10%
Renal: 60-90% unchanged; biliary/fecal: minor (<10%)
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic