Using lidocaine to reduce pain from benzathine penicillin injections for syphilis treatment

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether the addition of lidocaine to benzathine penicillin G injections can reduce the pain experienced by patients being treated for syphilis infections. Participants will receive either benzathine penicillin G with lidocaine or with normal saline, and their pain levels will be assessed at 10 minutes and 24 hours post-injection. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to provide robust evidence on the efficacy of lidocaine in this context. The trial is particularly relevant given the challenges of using lidocaine as a diluent in the US compared to European practices.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 18 years of age or above
* Confirmed syphilis diagnosis (reactive RPR with confirmatory treponemal testing)
* Receiving first injection in series if patient requires 3x weekly injections for syphilis treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis)
* Lidocaine allergy (anaphylaxis)
* Second or third injection in series if patient requires 3x weekly injections for syphilis treatment
* Pregnancy

Where it's running

• WashU Infectious Diseases Clinic
  St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Joseph Cherabie, MD
• Email: jcherabie@wustl.edu
• Phone: 7202858096

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.