Abstract:
Benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) is a beta-lactamase antibiotic developed in 1951. Administered intramuscularly, BPG has low in vivo solubility, producing prolonged serum penicillin concentrations. This makes BPG suitable for treating penicillin-sensitive organisms responsive to extended, low serum penicillin concentration. In Australia, BPG licence indications include mild-moderate group A streptococcal (GAS) infections (pharyngitis) and treponemal infections (syphilis, yaws, bejel and pinta). BPG is also indicated for people with a history of acute rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as secondary prophylaxis against GAS infections that can precipitate a recurrence of RF. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers BPG an essential medicine.
Supply of benzathine penicillin G: the 20-year experience in Australia
Reliable supplies of BPG are essential for delivering the recommended schedule of secondary prophylaxis for people living with RHD.