Penicillin in Shortage in US as Syphilis, Strep Cases Rise (1)

A common type of penicillin used to treat syphilis is in short supply in the US as cases of the sexually transmitted disease continue to rise.

Penicillin G benzathine, an antibiotic sold in the US by Pfizer Inc., was added to the Food and Drug Administration’s shortage list on Wednesday. Pfizer has limited supply of the drug because of increased demand, according to the agency, and the situation may persist into September.

This type of penicillin is also used to treat strep throat, which is spreading more than usual in the US, the CDC has said.

“The FDA ...