Intramuscular bipenicillin vs. intravenous penicillin in the treatment of erysipelas in adults: randomized controlled study.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular penicillin: mixture of benzyl penicillin and procain penicillin (2 MU x 2 times daily) and intravenous benzyl penicillin (4 MU x 6 times daily) in the treatment of hospitalized adult patients with erysipelas. A prospective randomized unicentric trial was conducted. In total, 112 patients entered the study; 57 in the intramuscular group and 55 patients in the intravenous group completed the trial. The failure rate was 14% for intramuscular group and 20% for the intravenous group (P = 0.40). Local complications such as of the leg abscesses were observed in the two groups (intravenous 9.1%, intramuscular 7%; P = 0477). Of the patients treated with intravenous benzyl penicillin, 25.5% presented complications related to the route (venitis). Intramuscular penicillin should be considered an effective and well-tolerated treatment of erysipelas in adult patients.

• Authors: F Zeglaoui, C Dziri, I Mokhtar, N Ezzine, M Kharfi, M Zghal, B Fazaa, M R Kamoun
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 426-8 (Jul 2004) ISSN: 0926-9959 [Print] England
• PMID: 15196155 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Penicillin G Procaine
• Penicillin G

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Erysipelas (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular (adverse effects)
• Injections, Intravenous (adverse effects)
• Male
• Penicillin G (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Penicillin G Procaine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Treatment Failure