The Effect of Combining Sodium Benzoate With Oral Penicillins

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Abstract
The effect of combining Na benzoate with oral penicillins is descr. The subjects were 10 healthy adults. Food and fluids were avoided for at least 11/2 hrs. before giving penicillin. The compds. were tested at weekly intervals and the test dose was 100,000 U., either alone or with 1.2 g. of Na benzoate. Blood was collected 1/2, 1, 11/2, 3 and 6 hrs. later for serum level detns. The crystalline Na salt used was reconstituted in water from the dried state. The aluminum salts were unbuffered tablets. The alum-pptd. penicillin-Na benzoate tablet was identical with that studied by Bohls and coworkers. The crystalline K penicillin was contained in gelatin capsules. In the absence of Na benzoate none of the penicillin salts produced an av. level above 0.05 U./ml. or an assayable level at 6 hrs. The simultaneous adm. of Na benzoate produced maximum avgs. >0.1 U./ml. and assayable levels up to 6 hrs. There was a striking variation in individual response. There was an 8-fold difference for all 6 prepns. One subject showed no assay-able level when the benzoate salt was omitted. A subject who produced high levels with one prepn. did so with the others. The inaccuracy of serum penicillin detns. is emphasized. There should be close inspection of the tests used for evidence of growth. A standardized incubation time is desirable. The ability of Na benzoate to increase and prolong serum levels appears to be established. The dose of 1.2 g./ 100,000 U. was purely arbitrary and larger amts. can undoubtedly be used.