The antibiotics most commonly used to treat Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are penicillin and ampicillin.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Penicillin: This is typically the first-line antibiotic for GBS. It's highly effective and generally well-tolerated.
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Ampicillin: Ampicillin is another effective option, closely related to penicillin, and often used interchangeably.
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Alternatives for Penicillin Allergy: If a patient is allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics are used, such as:
- Cefazolin: A cephalosporin antibiotic, commonly used for mild penicillin allergies.
- Clindamycin: Used if the GBS strain is susceptible.
- Vancomycin: Used if the GBS strain is resistant to clindamycin, or if the patient has a severe penicillin allergy.
The choice of antibiotic depends on factors like the severity of the infection, allergies, and antibiotic resistance patterns in the region.
