Evaluation of penicillin G potassium troches in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous ulceration in a Chinese cohort: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo and no-treatment-controlled, multicenter clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness and safety of topical application of 50 mg penicillin G potassium troches in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous ulcerations (MiRAU) in a Chinese cohort.

Material and methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo and no-treatment-controlled, multicenter clinical trial was performed. Troches were consecutively applied 4 times per day for 4 days. The size and pain level of ulcers were measured and recorded on days 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Results: A total of 258 subjects with minor recurrent aphthous ulcerations (86 subjects in penicillin G potassium group, 88 subjects in placebo control group, and 84 subjects in no-treatment control group) fulfilled the study. Penicillin G potassium significantly reduced ulcer size (P < .00001 for days 3, 4, 5, and 6) and alleviated ulcer pain (P < .00001 for days 3, 4, 5, and 6). No severe adverse reactions were observed. Only 4 subjects experienced mild adverse reaction.

Conclusions: Penicillin G potassium troches are effective in reducing ulcer size and alleviating ulcer pain of the patients in the treatment of a single episode of MiRAU in this Chinese cohort. Few adverse effects were observed with this therapeutic approach.