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Benzylpenicillin-induced neutropenia
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|February 1, 1986
Abstract:
Neutropenia is a potentially serious complication of parenteral benzylpenicillin administration. It is thought to occur more frequently in patients receiving infusions of stored penicillin solutions. We report three cases of neutropenia produced after bolus injections of freshly prepared benzylpenicillin. Twenty-five other cases were reviewed from the literature and the data summarized.
Insights
Neutropenia can occur with parenteral benzylpenicillin. This study suggests freshly prepared benzylpenicillin injections, not just stored solutions, may also cause this serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Parenteral benzylpenicillin is used for bacterial infections.
- Neutropenia, a low white blood cell count, is a known risk.
- This complication is often associated with stored penicillin solutions.
Observation:
- Three cases of neutropenia following fresh benzylpenicillin bolus injections are presented.
- A literature review identified 25 additional cases.
Findings:
- Freshly prepared benzylpenicillin, administered via bolus injection, can induce neutropenia.
- The risk may not be limited to stored penicillin infusion solutions.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of neutropenia risk with both fresh and stored benzylpenicillin preparations.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and incidence of benzylpenicillin-induced neutropenia is warranted.