Benzylpenicillin
Benzylpenicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive organisms such as Group B Streptococcus. It can be used to treat Gram-negative organisms, but to a lesser extent. It is usually one of the initial treatments when the medical team suspects sepsis/infection.
Benzylpenicillin is rapidly absorbed and widely spread throughout the body. As an initial treatment, it is given twice in a 24-hour period, each 12-hours apart. When the laboratory returns test results, this treatment may be increased or stopped.
Two nurses check the dosage before one nurse gives the antibiotic to the baby. This is to reduce the risk of dosage or administration error. If a single dose is required, the nurse will slowly push the antibiotic into a cannula inserted into a vein (intravenous cannula). If a double dose is required, an infusion pump is used to give the antibiotic over a 30-minute period. Afterwards, the medical team watch the baby for signs of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) and vein irritation (thrombophlebitis) at the administration site.
Gentamicin
Gentamicin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Benzylpenicillin and Gentamicin are used together as a first-line treatment of neonatal infections. Gentamicin is given slowly for 3 minutes, and is repeated every 36 hours.
Although Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic, it can lead to toxicity, although rare. Therefore, the amount of Gentamicin in the blood is checked before each administration. Before giving the antibiotic, a blood sample is sent to the laboratory to check the amount of Gentamicin in the blood. If Gentamicin levels are within an acceptable range, treatment is given as originally planned. If levels are above a safe level, the dosage is reduced or treatment is stopped, but monitoring Gentamicin levels will continue.