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Penicillin G

Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.

About Penicillin G

What it is

Penicillin G (benzylpenicillin) is the original penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming. It blocks the enzymes bacteria use to build their cell wall. Given by injection or drip, it treats syphilis, streptococcal infections, meningococcal disease and other infections with sensitive bacteria; long-acting forms (benzathine penicillin) treat syphilis and prevent rheumatic fever.

How genes come into it

Penicillin G is cleared rapidly by the kidneys, so drug-processing genes play little part. The few gene studies listing it looked at HLA-B for allergic reactions and at IFNG for response. Penicillin allergy has been linked in genome-wide studies to the HLA region, but the findings are not used to guide treatment, and there is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.

What research found

Every published finding on gene variants and Penicillin G. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.

Rated evidence (2 rated variants)

PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.

HLA-B HLA-B*55:01: Level 3. Toxicity: Drug Hypersensitivity. 1.

rs115200108: Level 3. Toxicity: adverse events. 1.

Response (2 findings)

Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.

IFNG rs1861494: Genotype CC is associated with decreased clinical benefit to penicillin g in people with Syphilis as compared to genotypes CT + TT.

IFNG rs2430561: Genotype TT is associated with decreased clinical benefit to penicillin g in people with Syphilis as compared to genotypes AA + AT.

Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.

Related Drugs

More drugs from the same category

Amoxicillin (Penicillins)

Dicloxacillin (Penicillins)

Flucloxacillin (Penicillins)

Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.

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Content updated September 2026.

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