Medication Summary
No medication treats or prevents Milroy disease. Complications of this disease, including cellulitis, bacteremia, and chylothorax, are treated as required. Antistreptococcal antibiotics (eg, cefazolin, clindamycin) can be used to treat cellulitis. Monthly penicillin G benzathine injections may be required to prevent recurrent cellulitis.
Antibiotics
Class Summary
Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of this clinical setting.
Cefazolin (Ancef)
First-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin that arrests bacterial cell wall synthesis, inhibiting bacterial growth. Primarily active against skin flora, including Staphylococcus aureus. Typically used alone for skin and skin-structure coverage. IV and IM dosing regimens are similar.
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Lincosamide for treatment of serious skin and soft tissue staphylococcal infections. Also effective against aerobic and anaerobic streptococci (but not enterococci). Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest.
Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin)
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.
Anticoagulants
Class Summary
May stimulate proteolysis of tissue proteins.
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 INR of 2-3.
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