The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Oct 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialLidocaine as a diluent for administration of benzathine penicillin G.
Benzathine penicillin G is recommended for secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Its main disadvantage is local pain and discomfort associated with the injection. Lidocaine as a diluent may reduce this discomfort. We compared the administration of benzathine penicillin G with two diluents; sterile water and lidocaine hydrochloride 1% for penicillin concentrations and pain of injection. ⋯ Use of lidocaine hydrochloride as a diluent for benzathine penicillin G does not change the penicillin concentration in body fluids and significantly reduces the pain of injection. We suggest the use of lidocaine hydrochloride 1% as a diluent for benzathine penicillin G.