(July 28, 2023) – Pfizer has advised providers of the
shortage of penicillin G benzathine, a long-acting injectable antibiotic. The company cited rising demand because of higher rates of syphilis infections nationally and the use of the drug as an alternative to amoxicillin, which has also been experiencing periodic shortages. Pfizer is the sole supplier of penicillin G benzathine injection, which is the first-line recommended treatment for syphilis and the only recommended treatment option for some patients. During the shortage, providers can refer to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Clinical Reminders for priority actions they can take. In addition, Penicillin G procaine has been
discontinued by the manufacturer. Additional clinical guidance may be found on the
CDC's Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines web page.
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Karen Braman