Listeria Infection Medication

Updated: Dec 01, 2022
  • Author: Terence Zach, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD  more...
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Medication

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)

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)

Useful in combination with ampicillin against listeria.

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra)

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

Penicillin G (Pfizerpen)

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