Caustic Ingestions Medication
- Author: Eric M Kardon, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD more...
Medication Summary
Supportive care, rather than specific antidotes, is the mainstay of management following caustic ingestions. A significant exception to this would be the aggressive administration of intravenous calcium for dysrhythmias precipitated by hypocalcemia from hydrogen fluoride ingestion. Such therapy is best performed with the guidance of the toxicologist at the local poison center.
The use of corticosteroids, previously proposed to be beneficial, should be discouraged. Studies have shown that stricture formation is based on the depth of the tissue damage.
The following agents may be of value in supportive care.
Antibiotic, Cephalosporin (Third Generation)
Class Summary
These agents should be administered if evidence of perforation exists. A third-generation cephalosporin or ampicillin/sulbactam may be considered.
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum, gram-negative activity; lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms; higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Bactericidal activity results from inhibiting cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins. Exerts antimicrobial effect by interfering with synthesis of peptidoglycan, a major structural component of bacterial cell wall. Bacteria eventually lyse due to the ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes while cell wall assembly is arrested.
Highly stable in presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinase and cephalosporinase, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Approximately 33-67% of dose excreted unchanged in urine, and remainder secreted in bile and ultimately in feces as microbiologically inactive compounds. Reversibly binds to human plasma proteins, and binding has been reported to decrease from 95% bound at plasma concentrations < 25 mcg/mL to 85% bound at 300 mcg/mL.
Antibiotic, Penicillin and Beta-lactamase Inhibitor
Class Summary
These agents should be administered if evidence of perforation exists. A third-generation cephalosporin or ampicillin/sulbactam may be considered.
Ampicillin and sulbactam (Unasyn)
Drug combination of beta-lactamase inhibitor with ampicillin. Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active replication, causing bactericidal activity against susceptible organisms. Alternative to amoxicillin when unable to take medication orally.
Covers skin, enteric flora, and anaerobes. Not ideal for nosocomial pathogens.
Proton Pump Inhibitor
Class Summary
Proton pump inhibitors reduce exposure of injured esophagus to gastric acid, which may result in decreased stricture formation.
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Indicated for short-term treatment of GERD associated with erosive esophagitis. Also effective in treating gastric ulcers, including those caused by H pylori.
Analgesic, Narcotic
Class Summary
Narcotic analgesics should be used to reduce the pain associated with these ingestions.
Morphine
DOC for analgesia due to reliable and predictable effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone.
Various IV doses are used; commonly titrated until desired effect obtained.
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