Search
The objectives of this study were to develop a stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography assay for benzylpenicillin in pharmaceutical fluids, and to investigate the stability of (i) isotonic citrate-buffered BPC solutions at the clinically relevant concentration of 30 mg/mL, and (ii) low concentration citrate-buffered BPC intravenous infusions (5–30 μg/mL).
The use of adjunctive antibiotics directed against exotoxin production in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is widespread, and is recommended in many guidelines, but there is limited evidence underpinning this.
Benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis to prevent Streptococcus pyogenes infections, which precede acute rheumatic fever.
Few children and adolescents receiving BPG as secondary prophylaxis will achieve concentrations >0.02 mg/L for the majority of the time between injections
At present, limited literature exists exploring patient preferences for prophylactic treatment of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Given low treatment completion rates to this treatment in Australia, where the burden of disease predominantly affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, an improved understanding of factors driving patient preference is required to improve outcomes.
Powdered benzathine penicillin G (BPG) crystals vary widely in size and shape and are larger and less uniform than crystals found in pre-mixed suspensions of BPG like Bicillin ® L-A.
Our local data supports continuing intramuscular injection of BPG in patients with rheumatic heart disease receiving anticoagulant medication
The Penicillin Team are working to accelerate research and clinical trials to improve penicillin formulation and treatment methods, to end RHD.
In Australia, RHD-related death and disability is the leading driver of cardiovascular inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Since 1955, the recommended strategy for rheumatic heart disease secondary prophylaxis has been benzathine penicillin G injections administered intramuscularly every 4 weeks. Due to dosing frequency, pain, and programmatic challenges, adherence is suboptimal. It has previously been demonstrated that BPG delivered subcutaneously at a standard dose is safe and tolerable and has favorable pharmacokinetics, setting the scene for improved regimens with less frequent administration.