BICILLIN® at a Glance
BICILLIN® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) and BICILLIN® C-R (penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine injectable suspension) are not the same. This table lists some key differences.
| BICILLIN® L-A | BICILLIN® C-R | |
| Contains penicillin G benzathine | Yes |
Yes |
| Contains penicillin G procaine | No | Yes |
| Administered by deep IM injection | Yes |
Yes |
| Indications | ||
Syphilis |
Yes |
No |
Prophylaxis for rheumatic fever and/or chorea |
Yes |
No |
Mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract infections due to susceptible streptococci |
Yes |
No |
Moderately severe to severe infections of the upper respiratory tract |
No | Yes |
Moderately severe pneumonia and otitis media due to susceptible pneumococci |
No | *Yes |
*Note: Severe pneumonia, empyema, bacteremia, pericarditis, meningitis, peritonitis, and arthritis of pneumococcal etiology are better treated with penicillin G sodium or potassium during the acute state.3
Relevant links 
Learn why the CDC recommends BICILLIN® L-A as a first-line treatment for most forms of syphilis. See the summary of the CDC STD treatment guidelines, 2006.
Learn more about BICILLIN® L-A.
Learn more about BICILLIN® C-R.
