Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PENICILLIN G PROCAINE versus UNIPEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PENICILLIN G PROCAINE versus UNIPEN.
PENICILLIN G PROCAINE vs UNIPEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation, and activating autolytic enzymes.
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.
1.2 million to 2.4 million units intramuscularly once daily for most infections (e.g., uncomplicated pneumonia); for neurosyphilis, 2.4 million units intramuscularly once daily plus probenecid 500 mg orally four times daily for 10-14 days. Administer deep IM injection, not IV.
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
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 0.5-1 hour in patients with normal renal function. Clinically, the prolonged absorption from the intramuscular depot results in sustained serum concentrations, with effective levels lasting 12-24 hours.
0.5-1 hour in normal renal function; prolonged to 7-10 hours in anuria or severe renal impairment.
Primarily renal excretion via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration. Approximately 60-90% of a dose is excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours. Biliary/fecal elimination is minor (<10%).
Renal: 70-90% unchanged via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; biliary: minor (<10%); fecal: minimal.
Category A/B
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic