Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome Medication

Updated: Oct 04, 2018
  • Author: Cheryl Ann Palmer, MD; Chief Editor: Helmi L Lutsep, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

With few exceptions, pharmacologic intervention is used only for symptomatic treatment of Foix-Alajouanine syndrome. Agents used in this therapy include the following:

  • Corticosteroids - Dexamethasone

  • Anticoagulants - Heparin

  • Antibiotics - Including amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ); for bowel and bladder infections and terminal sepsis

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Anti-inflammatory medications may improve neurologic disability during acute symptoms.

Dexamethasone (Baycadron)

Dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid. During the acute phase of Foix-Alajouanine syndrome, intravenous (IV) dexamethasone may improve neurologic disability.

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Anticoagulants, Hematologic

Class Summary

If angiographic evidence of thrombosis exists, anticoagulation with heparin may be indicated.

Heparin

Heparin inhibits reactions that lead to blood clotting and the formation of fibrin clots (in vitro and in vivo). The drug is administered intravenously; oral administration is not effective. Adjust the dosage according to the patient's coagulation test results. The dosage is considered adequate when the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5-2 times normal. Continue heparin administration for at least 48 hours after the therapeutic value of aPTT has been reached.

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Antibiotics, Other

Class Summary

Institute proper antibiotic therapy as indicated for bladder or bowel infections and for terminal sepsis, which frequently has a pulmonary etiology.

Amoxicillin (Moxatag)

Amoxicillin is an analogue of ampicillin with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra DS)

TMP-SMZ is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial combination that inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial growth.

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