Medication Summary
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.
Antiarrhythmics
Class Summary
These agents alter the electrophysiologic mechanisms responsible for arrhythmia.
Digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)
Cardiac glycoside with direct inotropic effects and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system. Acts directly on cardiac muscle, increasing myocardial systolic contractions. Indirect actions result in increased carotid sinus nerve activity and enhanced sympathetic withdrawal for any given increase in mean arterial pressure.
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
May inhibit AV conduction and sinus node function. Prolongs action potential and refractory period in myocardium and inhibits adrenergic stimulation. Prior to administration, control ventricular rate and CHF (if present) with digoxin or calcium channel blockers.
Calcium channel blockers
Class Summary
In specialized conducting and automatic cells in the heart, calcium is involved in the generation of the action potential. Calcium channel blockers inhibit movement of calcium ions across the cell membrane, depressing both impulse formation (automaticity) and conduction velocity.
Diltiazem (Cardizem CD, Dilacor, Tiazac, Cardizem LA)
During depolarization, inhibits calcium ions from entering slow channels and voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium.
Anticoagulants
Class Summary
These agents prevent recurrent or ongoing thromboembolic occlusion of the vertebrobasilar circulation.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interferes with hepatic synthesis of vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors. Used for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and thromboembolic disorders. Tailor dose to maintain an INR of 2-3.
Heparin
Augments activity of antithrombin III and prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Does not actively lyse but is able to inhibit further thrombogenesis. Prevents reaccumulation of clot after spontaneous fibrinolysis.
Beta-adrenergic blockers
Class Summary
These agents inhibit chronotropic, inotropic, and vasodilatory responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Selective beta1-adrenergic receptor blocker that decreases automaticity of contractions. During IV administration, carefully monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG.
Antibiotics
Class Summary
Must cover all likely pathogens in the context of this clinical setting. Use as prophylaxis against streptococcal infections.
Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A, Permapen)
Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptides during active multiplication, which results in bactericidal activity. Used to treat syphilis and for prophylaxis of recurrent streptococcal infections.
Diuretics
Class Summary
Diuretics are used for treatment of pulmonary congestion. Treatment may improve symptoms of venous congestion through elimination of retained fluid and preload reduction.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Increases excretion of water by interfering with chloride-binding cotransport system, which, in turn, inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in ascending loop of Henle and distal renal tubule. Dose must be individualized to patient. Depending on response, administer at increments of 20-40 mg, no sooner than 6-8 h after previous dose, until desired diuresis occurs. When treating infants, titrate with increments of 1 mg/kg/dose until a satisfactory effect is achieved.
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| Category | Duration After Last Attack | Rating* | |
| Rheumatic fever with carditis and residual heart disease (persistent valvular disease† ) | 10 y or until age 40 y (whichever is longer); sometimes lifelong prophylaxis | IC | |
| Rheumatic fever with carditis but no residual heart disease (no valvular disease† ) | 10 y or until age 21 y (whichever is longer) | IC | |
| Rheumatic fever without carditis | 5 y or until age 21 y (whichever is longer) | IC | |
| *Rating indicates classification of recommendation and level of evidence (eg, IC indicates Class I, level of Evidence C). †Clinical or echocardiographic evidence. | |||
| Agent | Dose | Mode | Rating* |
| Benzathine penicillin G | Children 27 kg (60 lb): 600,000 U Patients >27 kg: 1,200,000 every 4 wk† | Intramuscular | IA |
| Penicillin V | 250 mg bid | Oral | IB |
| Sulfadiazine | Children 27 kg: 0.5 g qd Patients >27 kg: 1 g qd | Oral | IB |
| Macrolide or azalide (for individuals allergic to penicillin and sulfadiazine) | Variable | Oral | IC |
| *Rating indicates classification of recommendation and level of evidence (eg, IA indicates Class I, level of Evidence A). †In high-risk situations, administration every 3 weeks is justified and recommended. | |||
| Agent | Dose | Mode | Duration | Rating † |
| Penicillins | ||||
| Penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin) | Children 27 kg (60 lb): 250 mg bid or tid Patients >27 kg: 500 mg bid or tid | Oral | 10 d | IB |
| Amoxicillin | 50 mg/kg qd (maximum 1 g) | Oral | 10 d | IB |
| Benzathine penicillin G | Children 27 kg (60 lb): 600,000 U Patients >27 kg: 1,200,000 U | Intramuscular | Once | IB |
| For individuals allergic to penicillin | ||||
| Narrow-spectrum cephalosporin (cephalexin, cefadroxil) | Variable | Oral | 10 d | IB |
| Clindamycin | 20 mg/kg/d divided in 3 doses (maximum 1.8 g/d) | Oral | 10 d | IIaB |
| Azithromycin | 12 mg/kg qd (maximum 500 mg) | Oral | 5 d | IIaB |
| Clarithromycin | 15 mg/kg/d divided bid (maximum 250 mg bid) | Oral | 10 d | IIaB |
| *Sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones are not acceptable. † Rating indicates classification of recommendation and level of evidence (eg, IB indicates Class I, level of Evidence B) | ||||
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