Antibiotics

Class Summary

These agents are used for suspected bacterial infections. Ampicillin in combination with an aminoglycoside such as gentamicin is the therapy of choice. Listeria is not susceptible to cephalosporins of any generation. Therefore, cephalosporins should not be used to treat Listeria infections.

Ampicillin (Marcillin, Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen)

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DOC. Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity.

Usual neonatal dosage for treatment of septicemia or meningitis depends on gestational and postnatal age. Higher doses are used with severe infections or meningitis.

Gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentacidin)

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Useful in combination with ampicillin against listeria.

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra)

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Second-line DOC for non-neonatal penicillin-allergic patients. Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid.

Penicillin G (Pfizerpen)

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Can be used as an alternative to ampicillin. Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity.

Questions

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Media Gallery

Electron micrograph of an artificially-colored Listeria bacterium in tissue.

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Author

Terence Zach, MD Professor, Department Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Newborn Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine

Terence Zach, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Ann L Anderson-Berry, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Newborn Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University School of Medicine; Medical Director, NICU, Nebraska Medical Center

Ann L Anderson-Berry, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Nebraska Medical Association, Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Larry I Lutwick, MD, FACP Editor-in-Chief, ID Cases; Moderator, Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases; Adjunct Professor of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine

Larry I Lutwick, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Clinical Research, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Infectious Diseases Society of New York, International Society for Infectious Diseases, New York Academy of Sciences, Veterans Affairs Society of Practitioners in Infectious Diseases

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Russell W Steele, MD Clinical Professor, Tulane University School of Medicine; Staff Physician, Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Russell W Steele, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Louisiana State Medical Society, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Pediatric Research, Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Leonard R Krilov, MD Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and International Adoption, Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Winthrop University Hospital; Professor of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine

Leonard R Krilov, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Pediatric Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.