From the Guidelines
Bacillin, also known as penicillin, is used to treat bacterial infections, including anthrax, but its use is limited due to concerns of penicillin resistance and low concentrations achieved in pulmonary secretions.
Key Points
- Bacillin belongs to the penicillin family of antibiotics and is effective against a range of gram-positive bacteria 1.
- It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
- However, for anthrax treatment, penicillins should not be initially used for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to concern for penicillin resistance 1.
- Amoxicillin, a type of penicillin, can be used for PEP once the B. anthracis strain has been proven penicillin susceptible, particularly in pediatric patients, pregnant women, and nursing mothers 1.
- The typical adult dosage of amoxicillin for anthrax PEP is 500 mg every 8 hours, and for children, it is 45 mg/kg/day orally divided into 3 daily doses given every 8 hours, with each dose not exceeding 500 mg 1.
- Treatment duration usually lasts 60 days, and it's essential to complete the full course even if symptoms improve before finishing 1.
- Bacillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the bacteria to weaken and die.
- Patients should take this medication with food to reduce stomach upset and should inform their healthcare provider about any allergies to penicillin or other antibiotics before starting treatment.
- Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash, and if severe allergic reactions occur, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, immediate medical attention is necessary.
From the Research
Bacillin Usage
- Bacillin is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss the use of anthrax vaccines and antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of anthrax, a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
- The studies suggest that anthrax vaccines, such as anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) and anthrax vaccine precipitated (AVP), are used to provide protective immunity against anthrax 2, 3.
- Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and amoxicillin, are used to treat anthrax infections, and can be used in combination with vaccination to enhance protection 4, 5, 6.
- The use of a combination of antibiotics and antibodies to protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis has been shown to be effective in treating anthrax infection in a rodent model 6.
Anthrax Treatment and Prevention
- The treatment of anthrax infection typically involves the use of antibiotics, and may also include the use of anthrax vaccines to provide protective immunity 2, 3, 4.
- The prevention of anthrax infection can be achieved through the use of anthrax vaccines, as well as through the use of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure 4, 5.
- The use of a combination of antibiotics and vaccination has been shown to be effective in protecting against inhalational anthrax, a potentially deadly form of the disease 4.