PRO/AH> Anthrax, airborne, prophylaxis (fwd)

[Guest guest]

These are the recommended meds and dosages for

prevention of airborne anthrax.

e

---------------------- Forwarded Message: ---------------------

From: ProMED-mail <promed@...>

promed-ahead@...

Subject: PRO/AH> Anthrax, airborne, prophylaxis

Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 21:01:20 -0400 (EDT)

ANTHRAX, AIRBORNE, PROPHYLAXIS

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A ProMED-mail post

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International Society for Infectious Diseases

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Date: 10 Oct 2001

From: ProMED-mail <promed@...>

Source: This is an official CDC Health Update [edited]

Distributed via Health Alert Network

Recommendations for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for _B. anthracis_ in Florida

---------

These recommendations are based on the susceptibility pattern of the _B.

anthracis_ isolate from the Florida inhalational anthrax case.

Adults

--------

Adult males & non-pregnant females (ages 18-65 yrs)

Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

OR

Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

OR

Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 60 days

*Drug-drug interactions and individual patient allergies should be

considered when selecting an antibiotic for prophylaxis.

Pregnant adult females

Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 60 days

* If allergic to amoxicillin or penicillin, consultation with a physician

is required as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline may be indicated.

Adults age 65 yrs & over

Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

OR

Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

OR

Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 60 days

*Drug-drug interactions and individual patient allergies should be

considered when selecting an antibiotic for prophylaxis.

** In older adults, the potential CNS side effects of ciprofloxacin should

also be considered when selecting an antibiotic for prophylaxis.

Children

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Antibiotics for children are listed in order of preference:

Children 9 yrs & over

Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 60 days

OR

Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

OR

Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 60 days

*Drug-drug interactions and individual patient allergies should be

considered when selecting an antibiotic for prophylaxis. Amoxicillin is

preferred for children. If allergic to amoxicillin or penicillin,

consultation with a physician is required, as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline

may be indicated.

Children less than 9 yrs

Amoxicillin 80 mg/kg/day orally, divided into 3 doses a day for 60 days

OR

Ciprofloxacin 10-15 mg/kg/day orally, divided into 2 doses a day for 60 days

OR

Doxycycline 5 mg/kg/day orally, divided into 2 doses a day for 60 days

* Drug-drug interactions and individual patient allergies should be

considered when selecting an antibiotic for prophylaxis. Amoxicillin is

preferred for children. If allergic to amoxicillin or penicillin,

consultation with a physician is required, as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline

may be indicated.

* Reminder: symptoms of inhalational anthrax include fever, muscle aches,

and fatigue that rapidly progress to severe systemic illness. Workers and

visitors associate with the AMI worksite in Florida who develop such

symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated to exclude anthrax and be reported

to the state health department.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CALL CDC ATLANTA, USA

(404) 639-2807

--

ProMED-mail

<promed@...>

[This information is posted as a public service. Note all the warnings

about drug interactions. Self-medication is *not* advisable. It is my

understanding that tetracyclines and penicillin are effective for

*treating* cutaneous anthrax. The CDC recommendations above are for

*prophylaxis* against *airborne* anthrax in the environment. Anthrax is NOT

transmitted person-to-person. - Mod.JW]

..............................jw/pg/es

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