App No: 83/659   Act 101/1965

Aqueous Suspension for Injection

Composition
Each 1 ml contains: Procaine benzylpenicillin 300 mg. Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (as preservative) 0,11 % m/v.

Pharmacological Classification
C20.1 Antibiotic combinations.

Pharmacological Action
Procaine benzyl-penicillin: "The penicillins impair the development of bacterial cell walls by interfering with transpeptidase enzymes responsible for the formation of the cross-links between peptidoglycan strands. During bacterial cell growth, while the peptidoglycan structure is being formed, autolysins continuously cleave the lattice to provide acceptor sites for new strands. Normal bacterial growth depends on a balance between cell wall deposition and autolysis. When a penicillin interacts with penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) and inhibits the synthetic enzymes, defective cell walls are formed which lead to abnormal elongation of cells, formation of spheroplasts or osmotic lysis. The effect of the penicillins is generally bactericidal, although bacteriolysis may also occur".

Indications
Depocillin injection is recommended for the treatment of local and systemic infections caused by bacteria sensitive to penicillin in horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs and cats.

Contra-indications
Not to be administered to animals known to be allergic to penicillin. Cross-reactions are common with penicillins and in some instances with cephalosporins. Psittacine birds are sensitive to procaine.

Warnings

• When administered to an animal known to be penicillin sensitive, anaphylactic shock may occur. Adrenaline, corticosteroids and antihistamines should be used to treat anaphylaxis.
• Do not administer intravenously.
• Use with caution in patients with a known history of allergy.
• Do not use in small herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchilla).
• Procaine benzylpenicillin may occasionally cause transient pyrexia, vomiting, shivering, listlessness and incoordination in pigs. Additionally in pregnant sows and gilts, abortion has been reported in a few cases.
• Procaine is detected in urine of horses up to 2 weeks after i.m. administration.
• Keep out of reach of children and uninformed persons.

Withdrawal Periods (for food producing animals)
Meat (cattle and sheep) : 4 days
Meat (pigs) : 5 days
Milk : 5 milkings

Directions for Use

• Use only as directed.
• Shake well before use.
• Given by intramuscular injection to large animals
• Dogs may be injected by either the subcutaneous or intramuscular route.
• Cats should be injected by the subcutaneous route.

Dosage
Horses and Cattle: 20 ml /500 kg b.m.
Pigs and Sheep : 2,5 ml /50 kg b.m.
Dogs and Cats : 1 ml /10 kg

Injections may be repeated at 24 hourly intervals depending on clinical judgement. Repeat injection should be given at a different site.

The usual aseptic precautions should be taken when administering the injections.

Side-effects and Special Precautions
Hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins range from mild and transitory skin reactions to fatal anaphylactoid shock. Pharyngitis or sore throat has been reported in dogs following 4 days of penicillin therapy. Intrathecal administration of penicillins is not recommended, because it is a potent convulsant when given by this route.

Identification
Depocillin is a white to off-white aqueous injectable suspenison.

Storage Instructions
Store in a cool, dark place below 15 ºC.

Presentation
Bottles of 100 ml. Pack of 12 x 100 ml Bottles.

Registration holder
Intervet S.A. (Pty) Ltd
Co. Reg. No. 1991/006580/07