Question

Which of the following describes the advantage of combining penicillin G with benzathine as an injectable medication?

A. The peak plasma concentration of the combination is higher.
B. Penicillin G benzathine may be administered intravenously.
C. The combination extends the duration of drug activity.
D. Drug absorption is a more rapid at the site of injection.

Answer 1

Combining penicillin G with benzathine extends the duration of drug activity, allowing for prolonged therapeutic effect and less frequent dosing, beneficial for treatments like syphilis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advantage of combining penicillin G with benzathine as an injectable medication is that the combination extends the duration of drug activity. Penicillin G benzathine is particularly useful because it provides a slow release of penicillin G into the bloodstream, allowing for a more prolonged therapeutic effect without requiring frequent dosing. This is especially beneficial for treating infections that require a longer duration of antibiotic coverage, such as syphilis. The slow release achieved by this combination avoids the need for multiple daily doses and ensures that the drug maintains its antibacterial effect over an extended period.

The combination does not increase the peak plasma concentration, cannot be administered intravenously, and does not necessarily increase the rate of absorption at the injection site. It is designed to sustain effective blood levels of the antibiotic for an extended period, which is a preferred characteristic for certain long-term treatments.