Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine is used as a skin-testing reagent to detect immunoglobulin E antibodies in people with a history of penicillin allergy. The quantitation of in vitro IgE antibodies to the benzylpenicilloyl determinant is a useful tool for evaluating allergic subjects.
Indication
For use as a adjunct in assessing the risk of administering penicillin (benzylpenicillin or penicillin G).
Pharmacology
Benylpenicilloyl polylysine is penicilloyl bound to polylysine and is considered to be the major determinant of penicillin metabolism; it is used as a skin-testing reagent to detect immunoglobulin E antibodies in people with a history of penicillin allergy. If skin testing using benzylpenicilloyl and penicillin G (as the sole source of minor determinants) is negative, approximately 97% of patients with a negative skin test will tolerate penicillin.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include urticaria, generalized pruritus, local swelling, generalized flushing, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, fainting and maculopapular eruption.
