From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for Haemophilus influenzae infections is a second or third generation cephalosporin or fluoroquinolone, due to the high rates of beta-lactamase production and resistance to ampicillin. When considering treatment options, it's crucial to prioritize the most effective antibiotics to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life.
- For non-severe infections, amoxicillin-clavulanate may be used, but only when susceptibility is known, as up to 25-50% of non-typeable strains may produce beta-lactamase 1.
- A study in Taiwan found high rates of susceptibility to cefuroxime, cefixime, cefpodoxime, and cefotaxime, making these options viable for treatment 1.
- However, levofloxacin resistance in H. influenzae has increased significantly in Taiwan, from 2.0% in 2004 to 24.3% in 2010, which should be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment regimen 1.
- The treatment duration typically ranges from 5-10 days for less severe infections, but may need to be extended to 7-10 days or more for invasive infections, depending on the severity and clinical response.
- It's essential to note that beta-lactamase production is common in H. influenzae, which is why beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics are preferred, and treatment should be guided by susceptibility testing whenever possible.
From the FDA Drug Label
Amoxicillin for oral suspension is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of ... Haemophilus influenzae. Infections of the Upper Respiratory Tract: Amoxicillin for oral suspension is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of ... Haemophilus influenzae. Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract: Amoxicillin for oral suspension is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of ... H. influenzae.
The recommended treatment for Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) infections is amoxicillin (PO), but only for β-lactamase–negative isolates.
- The duration of treatment is not specified in the provided drug label. 2
From the Research
Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae Infections
- The recommended treatment for Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) infections typically involves the use of antibiotics, with the specific choice depending on the severity and type of infection, as well as the patient's age and other factors 3, 4.
- For severe infections such as meningitis, third-generation cephalosporins like ceftriaxone are commonly used, and may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly 3, 5.
- In cases where the infection is caused by a beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) strain, high-dose ceftriaxone administration may be effective 5.
- For less severe infections, such as otitis media or sinusitis, ampicillin or amoxicillin may be used, while cephalosporins are often chosen for treatment of adults with pneumonia caused by H. influenzae 4.
Duration of Treatment
- The duration of treatment for H. influenzae infections can vary depending on the specific infection and the patient's response to treatment.
- For meningitis, treatment is typically continued for 10-14 days, while for other infections, treatment may be shorter, ranging from 5-10 days 4, 6.
- In some cases, such as for the eradication of pharyngeal colonization with H. influenzae type B, a shorter course of treatment, such as 2-4 days of rifampin, may be effective 7.
Administration of Ceftriaxone
- Ceftriaxone can be administered once or twice a day, with both regimens showing similar efficacy in treating bacterial infections of childhood, including those caused by H. influenzae 6.
- The choice of administration schedule may depend on factors such as the severity of the infection, the patient's age and weight, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.