PENICILLIN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24800, 14 February 1946, Page 3

PENICILLIN

USE DISCUSSED BY DOCTORS

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, February 13. The use of penicillin was discussed at this morning’s session of the conference of the British Medical Association. The speakers were Sir John Stanton Hicks, Dr. R. Kirk, Dr. H. W. Wilson, Dr. Falconer Brown, and Mr E. I. A. Macdonald. The speakers were in general agreement that the drug promised to be of the utmost help in curing a wide variety of diseases, but expressed caution in that sufficient evidence had not yet been gained to allow definite assertions as to its efficiency. Sir Stanton Hicks warned members to expect variability in the results of the treatment of individuals. Dr. Kirk said penicillin had not been used by physicians to the extent, perhaps, that the public desired. This was largely because of the control which previously existed over the drug, and the somewhat difficult methods of application. The use of penicillin had been on a scientific basis from the beginning, and the drug bad not been available merely for the asking. It was necessary that anyone using penicillin should know its characteristics. In Dunedin, for instance, there had been a public demand for bronchitis cases to be treated with lienicillin after some misjudged pubicity as to its success in such cases. Actually the drug was of no use in treating bronchitis, except in certain circumstances. The effect of penicillin on venereal diseases was described by Dr. Falconer Brown. “Penicillin is an outstanding treatment for gonorrhoea, and will become the routine treatment.” he said. “The results have been spectacular.

with only a small percentage of failures. The drug has also proved very effective in treating syphilis cases, and it seems likely that it . will eventually replace arsenical drugs.” The speaker warned that it would take five or more years to show whether the cures were permanent.