What is the recommended treatment dose of Amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis?

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Last updated: March 22, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended treatment dose of Amoxicillin for Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis is 200 mg/kg/day i.v. in 4 –6 doses, as stated in the 2015 ESC guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis 1.

Treatment Overview

When treating Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis, it's crucial to consider the most effective antibiotic regimen to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life. The guidelines suggest using Amoxicillin in combination with Gentamicin for beta-lactam and gentamicin-susceptible strains.

Key Considerations

  • The dosage of Amoxicillin should not exceed 200 mg/kg/day i.v. in 4 –6 doses, as recommended in the guidelines 1.
  • Gentamicin should be administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day i.v. or i.m. in 1 dose, with the option to give it for 2-6 weeks, depending on the patient's response and susceptibility of the isolate 1.
  • It's essential to monitor serum levels of aminoglycosides and renal function, as indicated in the guidelines 1.

Alternative Options

  • For patients with high-level aminoglycoside resistance or beta-lactam resistance, alternative regimens such as vancomycin-based treatments or combinations with other antibiotics like daptomycin, linezolid, or quinupristin-dalfopristin may be considered 1.
  • Pediatric doses should not exceed adult doses, and vancomycin concentrations should be monitored as stated in the guidelines 1.

Clinical Implications

The choice of antibiotic regimen should be guided by the susceptibility pattern of the Enterococcus faecalis isolate, as well as the patient's clinical condition and potential allergies. Early surgical evaluation is also crucial in cases of complicated endocarditis, such as heart failure, persistent bacteremia, or large vegetations. The combination of Amoxicillin and Gentamicin remains a viable option for the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis, as supported by the 2015 ESC guidelines 1.

From the Research

Treatment of Enterococcus faecalis Endocarditis

The recommended treatment for Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis typically involves a combination of antibiotics. However, the specific dosage of Amoxicillin for this condition is not directly stated in the provided studies.

  • The studies primarily discuss the use of ampicillin, not amoxicillin, in combination with other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or gentamicin for the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis 2, 3, 4.
  • One study mentions the use of amoxicillin in the context of preventing endocarditis caused by Streptococcus faecalis (now known as Enterococcus faecalis) but does not provide a recommended dose for treatment of established endocarditis 5.
  • The closest relevant information is the use of ampicillin at a dose of 2 g every 4 hours, often in combination with ceftriaxone, for the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis 2, 4.

Dosage Considerations

Given the information available, there is no direct recommendation for the use of amoxicillin in the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis. The provided studies focus on ampicillin and its combinations, highlighting the importance of combination therapy in treating this condition 2, 3, 4, 6.

  • The effectiveness and safety of ampicillin plus ceftriaxone for treating Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis, including cases with high-level aminoglycoside resistance, have been demonstrated 4.
  • The duration of treatment is also an important consideration, with guidelines suggesting at least 6 weeks of treatment for complicated cases 3.

Conclusion Not Provided as per Request

As per the request, no conclusion will be drawn, and the response will adhere to the specified format without including a conclusion section. The information provided in the studies does not directly answer the question regarding the recommended treatment dose of Amoxicillin for Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis but highlights the use of ampicillin in combination with other antibiotics for this condition 2, 3, 4, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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