Medication Summary
The 2 cutaneous forms of erysipeloid are self-limited and may remit spontaneously within 2-4 weeks; however, treatment with penicillin hastens the recovery and limits further progression of the disease.
Antibiotics
Class Summary
Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.
Penicillin G (Pfizerpen, Wycillin)
Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible microorganisms. However, it is not effective against penicillinase-producing bacteria.
Erythromycin (Erythrocin, EES, E-Mycin)
For penicillin-allergic patients. Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest.
In children, age, weight, and severity of infection determine proper dosage. When bid dosing is desired, half-total daily dose may be taken q12h. For more severe infections, double the dose.
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