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)

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Penicillin G interferes with the 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 ethylsuccinate (E.E.S., EryPed)

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Erythromycin is for penicillin-allergic patients. It 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 twice-daily dosing is desired, half the total daily dose may be taken every 12 hours. For more severe infections, double the dose.

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Media Gallery

Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).

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Author

Marc Zachary Handler, MD Fellow in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ

Marc Zachary Handler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, European Society for Pediatric Dermatology, International Society of Dermatology, New York Academy of Medicine, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David F Butler, MD Former Section Chief of Dermatology, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System; Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Founding Chair, Department of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Phi Beta Kappa, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey J Miller, MD Associate Professor of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Jeffrey J Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, North American Hair Research Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Shyam Verma, MBBS, DVD, FAAD Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia School of Medicine; Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York at Stonybrook School of Medicine; Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Shyam Verma, MBBS, DVD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Zeina Nehme Ghorayeb, MD Lecturer, University of Balamand School of Medicine

Zeina Nehme Ghorayeb, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mona Matta-Muallem, MD Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Mona Matta-Muallem, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.