Potency – Do We Need a New Manufacturing Standard?

Introduction: Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is used for 4-weekly secondary prophylaxis programs for acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Multiple brands of BPG exist, efficacy and adverse reactions are often cited as justification for alternate antibiotic regimens. Objectives: To assess samples for potency and breakdown products of BPG. Further testing to identify compounds which may be responsible for adverse reactions. Physical...