Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn Medication

  • Author: KN Siva Subramanian, MD; Chief Editor: Ted Rosenkrantz, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 13, 2010
 

Medication Summary

The use of medications in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is minimal. Empiric antibiotics are often used for 48 hours after birth, until sepsis has been ruled out. Diuretics have not been shown to be beneficial.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

These agents are used when sepsis is clinically suggested. Antibiotics generally consist of a penicillin (usually ampicillin) and an aminoglycoside (usually gentamicin). Choices are based on local flora and antibiotic sensitivities. Dosage amounts and intervals are based on postmenstrual age (PMA), measured in weeks, and postnatal age, measured in days.

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Ampicillin (Omnipen-N)

 

A penicillin antibiotic with activity against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting bacterial cell wall growth.

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Gentamicin

 

Provides gram-negative aerobic coverage. Gentamicin also provides synergistic activity with penicillins against gram-positive bacteria including group B Streptococcus and Enterococcus. Gentamicin inhibits protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to bacterial 30S and 50S ribosomes.

Given as IV infusion by syringe pump over 30 min. Administer as separate infusion from penicillin-containing compounds.

IM injection is associated with variable absorption, especially in VLBW infants.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

KN Siva Subramanian, MD  Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Chief of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, Hospital Ethicist, Georgetown University Hospital

KN Siva Subramanian, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Nutrition, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, New York Academy of Sciences, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Monisha Bahri, MBBS, MD  Fellow in Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine, Department of Neonatology, Georgetown University Hospital

Monisha Bahri, MBBS, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and Medical Council of India

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stephen D Kicklighter, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of North Carolina at Raleigh and Wake Medical Center

Stephen D Kicklighter, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and National Perinatal Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Steven M Donn, MD  Professor of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School; Director, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, CS Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System

Steven M Donn, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Pediatric Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Brian S Carter, MD, FAAP  Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Director, Neonatal Follow-up Program, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Brian S Carter, MD, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carol L Wagner, MD  Professor of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina

Carol L Wagner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Chemical Society, American Medical Women's Association, American Public Health Association, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Massachusetts Medical Society, National Perinatal Association, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Ted Rosenkrantz, MD  Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Ted Rosenkrantz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Pediatric Society, Connecticut State Medical Society, Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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A supine anteroposterior chest radiograph of an infant with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). Note the reticular appearance of the film with mild cardiomegaly and obvious interstitial fluid.
 
 
 
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