Prevention of bacterial endocarditis
Article Abstract:
Bacterial endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane lining the heart, is caused by microorganisms such as staphylococci and pneumococci. Antibiotics, drugs which prevent the growth of microorganisms, may prevent the development of endocarditis after surgical procedures or diseases associated with bacterial infection. Patients with disease of the heart valves, artificial valves, or other heart abnormalities may have a greater risk for developing bacterial endocarditis. The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics, or antimicrobial agents used to prevent infection, has not been clearly established. Amoxicillin or erythromycin given orally, and ampicillin with or without gentamicin or vancomycin given parenterally or directly into the circulation, are recommended for dental and upper respiratory procedures. For gastrointestinal and genitourinary procedures, amoxicillin give orally, and ampicillin or vancomycin with or without gentamicin given parenterally are recommended. The appropriate doses for children and adults are listed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Rifabutin
Article Abstract:
Rifabutin, sold as Mycobutin by Adria Laboratories, is an antibiotic used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced HIV infection. MAC is an infection caused by the bacterium that causes tuberculosis; the bacterium colonizes the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Although the exact way rifabutin works against Mycobacterium avium is not known, it interferes with the activity of RNA polymerase in other bacteria. The risk of developing MAC rises as an HIV patient's CD4 T-lymphocyte cell count drops. Several research studies have found that rifabutin is effective in preventing MAC in AIDS patients with 200 or fewer CD4 T cells per microliter of blood. Rifabutin's effectiveness as a treatment for MAC is unclear. Side effects of rifabutin include declines in white blood cell levels, rash, temporary changes in skin color and body fluids and upset of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Post-exposure anthrax prophylaxis
Article Abstract:
This article continues the one on the same subject in the October 15, 2001 issue, and provides more detail about treatment of inhalation anthrax. The conclusion is that cipeofloxacin does not seem more effective than doxycycline or penicillin for post-exposure treatment. If the vaccine is available, vaccination plus antibiotic might be the most effective form of treatment.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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