Mycobacterium haemophilum Infection Medication

Updated: Jun 11, 2020
  • Author: Shirin A Mazumder, MD, FIDSA; Chief Editor: Pranatharthi Haran Chandrasekar, MBBS, MD  more...
  • Print
Medication

Medication Summary

Although no standardized treatment exists, a regimen that includes a combination of at least 2 drugs with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against M haemophilum is preferred.

A 3-drug combination of ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and rifampin or rifabutin has been used for cutaneous disease in bone marrow transplant recipients. No standard treatment exists; optimal treatment time is unknown.

Next:

Antimicrobial agents

Class Summary

Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)

Macrolide with activity against various nontuberculous mycobacteria. Binds to bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits RNA-dependent protein synthesis.

Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Important drug used in the treatment of infection with M tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis and, consequently, growth. Other quinolones such as levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and ofloxacin may also be effective.

Amikacin (Amikin)

Expected to be a powerful drug for mycobacteremia. Starting amikacin may be beneficial at least as long as the patient is septic.

Previous