Matching articles for "Streptococcus pneumoniae"
Capvaxive – A 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 14, 2024; (Issue 1713)
The FDA has licensed Capvaxive (PCV21; Merck),
a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for
prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults. Four other
pneumococcal...
The FDA has licensed Capvaxive (PCV21; Merck),
a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for
prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults. Four other
pneumococcal vaccines are currently available in the
US: Prevnar 20 (PCV20), Vaxneuvance (PCV15), and
Prevnar 13 (PCV13) are conjugate vaccines licensed
for use in persons ≥6 weeks old, and Pneumovax 23
(PPSV23) is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
licensed for use in persons ≥2 years old (see Table 1).
Treatment of Common Respiratory Tract Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 17, 2023; (Issue 1674)
Most respiratory tract infections are caused by
viruses. Bacterial respiratory tract infections are
usually treated empirically with antibiotic therapy
that targets the most probable causative...
Most respiratory tract infections are caused by
viruses. Bacterial respiratory tract infections are
usually treated empirically with antibiotic therapy
that targets the most probable causative pathogens.
Recommended antibiotic regimens for outpatient
treatment of some common respiratory tract
infections are listed in Table 1 for adults and Table 2
for children.
Drugs for Acute Otitis Media in Children
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 7, 2022; (Issue 1643)
More antibiotics are prescribed for treatment of acute
otitis media (AOM) than for any other infection in
young children. Children with AOM typically present
with otalgia, fever, and bulging and erythema of...
More antibiotics are prescribed for treatment of acute
otitis media (AOM) than for any other infection in
young children. Children with AOM typically present
with otalgia, fever, and bulging and erythema of the
tympanic membrane.
Two New Pneumococcal Vaccines - Prevnar 20 and Vaxneuvance
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 29, 2021; (Issue 1638)
The FDA has licensed two new pneumococcal
conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for prevention of invasive
pneumococcal disease in adults: Prevnar 20 (PCV20;
Pfizer), which contains antigens from 20 serotypes...
The FDA has licensed two new pneumococcal
conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for prevention of invasive
pneumococcal disease in adults: Prevnar 20 (PCV20;
Pfizer), which contains antigens from 20 serotypes of
pneumococcus, and Vaxneuvance (PCV15; Merck),
which contains antigens from 15 serotypes. Two
other pneumococcal vaccines are available in the
US: Prevnar 13 (PCV13; Pfizer), a 13-valent conjugate
vaccine licensed for use in persons ≥6 weeks old,
and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23; Merck), a 23-valent
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine licensed for
use in persons ≥2 years old.
Antibacterial Drugs for Community-Acquired Pneumonia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 25, 2021; (Issue 1616)
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens
directed against some of the most common causative
pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are
listed in...
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens
directed against some of the most common causative
pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are
listed in Table 2; recommended antibiotic dosages for
treatment of CAP are listed in Tables 3 and 4. Joint
guidelines for treatment of CAP by the American
Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of
America (ATS/IDSA) were updated in 2019.
Drugs for Common Eye Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 2, 2019; (Issue 1586)
This issue includes reviews of drugs for glaucoma,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), bacterial
conjunctivitis, and dry eye disease. Allergic conjunctivitis
is reviewed in a separate...
This issue includes reviews of drugs for glaucoma,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), bacterial
conjunctivitis, and dry eye disease. Allergic conjunctivitis
is reviewed in a separate issue.
Lefamulin (Xenleta) for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 23, 2019; (Issue 1581)
Lefamulin (Xenleta – Nabriva), a semisynthetic
pleuromutilin antibiotic, has been approved by the
FDA for IV and oral treatment of community-acquired
bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. It is the...
Lefamulin (Xenleta – Nabriva), a semisynthetic
pleuromutilin antibiotic, has been approved by the
FDA for IV and oral treatment of community-acquired
bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. It is the first
systemic pleuromutilin antibiotic to be approved in the
US; retapamulin (Altabax), a 1% topical ointment for
treatment of impetigo, was approved in 2007.
Omadacycline (Nuzyra) - A New Tetracycline Antibiotic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 20, 2019; (Issue 1572)
The FDA has approved omadacycline (Nuzyra – Paratek),
a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, for once-daily
IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial
pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial skin...
The FDA has approved omadacycline (Nuzyra – Paratek),
a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, for once-daily
IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial
pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial skin and skin
structure infections (ABSSSIs) in adults.
Clarithromycin in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 21, 2018; (Issue 1547)
The FDA has warned that use of the macrolide
antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin, and generics) may
increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality in patients with heart...
The FDA has warned that use of the macrolide
antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin, and generics) may
increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality in patients with heart disease.
Delafloxacin (Baxdela) - A New Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 26, 2018; (Issue 1543)
The FDA has approved delafloxacin (Baxdela –
Melinta), an anionic fluoroquinolone antibiotic, for oral
and parenteral treatment of adults with acute bacterial
skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs),...
The FDA has approved delafloxacin (Baxdela –
Melinta), an anionic fluoroquinolone antibiotic, for oral
and parenteral treatment of adults with acute bacterial
skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs), including
those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA). It is the first fluoroquinolone to be
approved for treatment of MRSA.
Comparison Table: Some Systemic Fluoroquinolones (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 26, 2018; (Issue 1543)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Systemic Fluoroquinolones (online only)
Drugs for Common Bacterial Infections in Adults
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 23, 2017; (Issue 1532)
Bacterial infections in adults are generally treated
empirically, with the antibiotic covering most, but not
all, of the potential causative pathogens. For some
infections, culture and sensitivity testing...
Bacterial infections in adults are generally treated
empirically, with the antibiotic covering most, but not
all, of the potential causative pathogens. For some
infections, culture and sensitivity testing can guide
treatment, allowing for use of narrower-spectrum
antibiotics. The recommended dosages and durations
of antibiotic treatment for common respiratory, skin, and
urinary tract infections are listed in Tables 1-3. Infectious
disease experts now recommend shorter treatment
durations for many infections to reduce the development
of antimicrobial resistance and minimize adverse effects.
Ciprofloxacin/Fluocinolone (Otovel) for Otitis Media with Tympanostomy Tubes
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 5, 2016; (Issue 1509)
The FDA has approved Otovel (Arbor), a combination
of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin 0.3% and
the corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide 0.025%, for
otic treatment of acute otitis media with...
The FDA has approved Otovel (Arbor), a combination
of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin 0.3% and
the corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide 0.025%, for
otic treatment of acute otitis media with tympanostomy
tubes (AOMT) in children ≥6 months old. It is the
second fluoroquinolone/corticosteroid combination
to be approved for this indication; ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% (Ciprodex) has been available
for many years. In December 2015, a suspension
of ciprofloxacin 6% (Otiprio) was approved for otic
treatment of bilateral otitis media with effusion in
children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement.
Alternatives to Fluoroquinolones
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 6, 2016; (Issue 1496)
The FDA has announced that it is requiring changes in
the labeling of systemic fluoroquinolones to warn that
the risk of serious adverse effects, including tendinitis,
peripheral neuropathy and CNS effects,...
The FDA has announced that it is requiring changes in
the labeling of systemic fluoroquinolones to warn that
the risk of serious adverse effects, including tendinitis,
peripheral neuropathy and CNS effects, generally outweighs
their benefit for the treatment of acute sinusitis,
acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated
urinary tract infections. For these infections, the
new labels will recommend reserving fluoroquinolones
for patients with no other treatment options.
Drugs for Bacterial Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2013; (Issue 131)
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results...
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results of
susceptibility studies, clinical trials, and the opinions
of Medical Letter reviewers. Tables 1 and 2 list the usual
dosages of antibacterial drugs.
Drugs for Some Common Eye Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2012; (Issue 123)
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration,
bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are
reviewed here. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
will be reviewed in a future issue...
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration,
bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are
reviewed here. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
will be reviewed in a future issue of
Treatment Guidelines on Drugs for Allergic Disorders.
Levofloxacin Revisited
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 11, 2011; (Issue 1368)
A Medical Letter reader has asked us to review the
safety of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin
(Levaquin – Ortho-McNeil-Janssen), which has just
been approved for generic use by the FDA and...
A Medical Letter reader has asked us to review the
safety of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin
(Levaquin – Ortho-McNeil-Janssen), which has just
been approved for generic use by the FDA and has
been at the center of some recent lawsuits regarding
the adequacy of its safety warnings.
Ceftaroline Fosamil (Teflaro) - A New IV Cephalosporin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 24, 2011; (Issue 1356)
The FDA has approved ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro –
Forest), an intravenous (IV) cephalosporin, for treatment
of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections,
including those caused by...
The FDA has approved ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro –
Forest), an intravenous (IV) cephalosporin, for treatment
of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections,
including those caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and for treatment of
community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in adults. It
is the first beta-lactam antibiotic approved for treatment
of MRSA.
Telavancin (Vibativ) for Gram-Positive Skin Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 2010; (Issue 1329)
Telavancin (Vibativ - Astellas and Theravance), a lipoglycopeptide derivative of vancomycin (Vancocin, and others), has received FDA approval for treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections...
Telavancin (Vibativ - Astellas and Theravance), a lipoglycopeptide derivative of vancomycin (Vancocin, and others), has received FDA approval for treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria in adults.
Ophthalmic Besifloxacin (Besivance)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 14, 2009; (Issue 1327)
The FDA has approved the fluoroquinolone besifloxacin 0.6% ophthalmic suspension (Besivance - Bausch & Lomb) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria. According to the...
The FDA has approved the fluoroquinolone besifloxacin 0.6% ophthalmic suspension (Besivance - Bausch & Lomb) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria. According to the manufacturer, this product was developed specifically for ophthalmic use in a specialized vehicle designed to prolong contact time on the ocular surface. Besifloxacin is not available for systemic use.
Adult Immunization
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2009; (Issue 80)
Although immunization programs have produced high vaccination rates in US infants and children, similar successes have not been achieved in adults. Vaccines recommended for routine use in adults are reviewed...
Although immunization programs have produced high vaccination rates in US infants and children, similar successes have not been achieved in adults. Vaccines recommended for routine use in adults are reviewed here. Vaccines for travel are reviewed separately.
Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2007; (Issue 57)
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric...
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric treatment for some common types of infections are summarized in the text and a table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 40. The recommendations made here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.
Azithromycin Extended-Release (Zmax) for Sinusitis and Pneumonia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 28, 2005; (Issue 1218)
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis...
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in adults. Immediate-release azithromycin will probably become available generically later this year when its patent expires.
Tigecycline (Tygacil)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 12, 2005; (Issue 1217)
Tigecycline (Tygacil - Wyeth), a derivative of minocycline, is a new intravenous (IV) antibiotic approved for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and skin and skin-structure...
Tigecycline (Tygacil - Wyeth), a derivative of minocycline, is a new intravenous (IV) antibiotic approved for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and skin and skin-structure infections.
Telithromycin (Ketek) for Respiratory Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004; (Issue 1189)
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in...
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in patients age 18 and older. The drug is the first in a new class of antibiotics, the ketolides, derived from the macrolide erythromycin. Telithromycin has been marketed in Europe since 2001.
Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2004; (Issue 19)
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the...
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 18. These recommendations are based on results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Local resistance patterns should be taken into account. Trade names are listed on page 24.
Drugs for Pneumonia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2003; (Issue 13)
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid...
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid conditions and whether the infection is community or hospital-acquired also need to be considered.
The Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 20, 2001; (Issue 1111)
New drugs for treatment of bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some infections is discussed and a table listing the drugs of choice...
New drugs for treatment of bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some infections is discussed and a table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen are contained in this article. These recommendations are based on results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Local resistance patterns should be taken into account.
A Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Infants and Children
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 20, 2000; (Issue 1074)
The FDA has approved a conjugate heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and...
The FDA has approved a conjugate heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and children.
The Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 22, 1999; (Issue 1064)
Since The Medical Letter last reviewed the choice of drugs for treatment of bacterial infections, a few new drugs and some new information about older drugs have become...
Since The Medical Letter last reviewed the choice of drugs for treatment of bacterial infections, a few new drugs and some new information about older drugs have become available.