The “peanut butter shot” is a colloquial term for a specific medical injection, a potent antibiotic used to address bacterial infections. This informal name describes an intramuscular injection known for its unique consistency and the patient’s experience during administration.
Unpacking the “Peanut Butter Shot”
The “peanut butter shot” is formally known as benzathine benzylpenicillin, or penicillin G benzathine. This long-acting form of penicillin is prepared as a suspension.
This suspension is notably viscous and opaque, often described as milky white or yellow, giving rise to its distinctive nickname. Its thick consistency allows for the slow release of the drug from the injection site, providing sustained antibiotic levels over an extended period.
Primary Medical Applications
The primary use of penicillin G benzathine is to treat a range of bacterial infections. It is effective against infections caused by Group A Streptococcus, such as strep throat (pharyngitis). A single injection is often sufficient due to its long-acting properties.
Another significant application is in the treatment of syphilis, including primary, secondary, and latent stages, as well as congenital syphilis. For syphilis, penicillin G benzathine is considered a preferred treatment option, and its prolonged action ensures consistent drug levels needed to eradicate the infection. It also plays a substantial role in preventing rheumatic fever, a serious complication that can arise from untreated strep infections. The injection can be administered periodically for prophylaxis, preventing recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever. Additionally, this antibiotic is used to treat other bacterial diseases like yaws, bejel, and pinta.
Receiving and Responding to the Shot
The “peanut butter shot” is administered as a deep intramuscular injection. For adults, common injection sites include the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock or the ventrogluteal area. In military settings, where it is a common immunization for recruits to prevent widespread bacterial infections, it is frequently given in the buttock.
Patients often describe the injection as notoriously painful due to the thick consistency of the medication and the volume injected. The injection process itself can take a notable amount of time as the viscous liquid is slowly pushed into the muscle. After the injection, it is common to experience pain, redness, irritation, or bruising at the site, and a localized lump may form, which can be uncomfortable for several days.
Expected mild side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness. For individuals treated for syphilis, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, characterized by fever, headache, and muscle pain, can occur as the bacteria die off. To help manage the discomfort, healthcare providers might warm the syringe to room temperature, recommend ice or gel packs, or use topical anesthetics at the injection site.