Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PENICILLIN G POTASSIUM versus UNIPEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PENICILLIN G POTASSIUM versus UNIPEN.
PENICILLIN G POTASSIUM vs UNIPEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Bactericidal: inhibits transpeptidases (penicillin-binding proteins) involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis.
Unipen (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), blocking transpeptidation and autolysin inhibition.
1-4 million units IV every 4-6 hours; maximum 24 million units/day
500 mg to 2 g orally or intravenously every 4 to 6 hours; maximum 12 g/day IV for serious infections.
None Documented
None Documented
0.5-1 hour in normal renal function; prolonged to 3-10 hours in anuria/end-stage renal disease.
0.5-1 hour in normal renal function; prolonged to 7-10 hours in anuria or severe renal impairment.
Renal (60-90% as unchanged drug via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration); biliary (minor, <10%); fecal (minimal, <5%).
Renal: 70-90% unchanged via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; biliary: minor (<10%); fecal: minimal.
Category A/B
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic