Penicillin in Short Supply as US Syphilis, Strep Cases Rise

May 1st, 1:27 PM EDT

Medical chart sheet with syringe.

MGN via Pixabay

(NEWSnet) — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday reported a shortage of the injectable form of penicillin, the form used to treat syphilis and other bacterial infections like strep throat.

The form of penicillin affected, called penicillin G benzathine, is the latest addition to the list of medications that are in short supply.

It's often used in outpatient clinics or urgent care settings. It's popular because it can be used for adults, children and pregnant women.

One of the reasons that version of penicillin is running short is because amoxicillin has been in short supply since last fall, so many doctors are falling back on injectable penicillin instead.

The surge of RSV cases since the fall, along with treatments for COVID, have depleted antibiotic supplies.