From the Guidelines
Treatment for Haemophilus influenzae throat infection in adults typically involves antibiotics, with amoxicillin-clavulanate being the first-line choice at 875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- The choice of antibiotic should be guided by susceptibility patterns, with up to 25-50% of non-typeable strains producing beta-lactamase 1.
- A second or third generation cephalosporin or fluoroquinolone is recommended for treatment of beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae 1.
- Alternatives for penicillin-allergic patients include cefuroxime, azithromycin, or doxycycline, with dosages and durations similar to those for amoxicillin-clavulanate 1.
Supportive Care
- Rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are important for managing symptoms and supporting recovery.
- Patients should be advised to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
Monitoring and Follow-up
- If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48-72 hours of starting antibiotics, patients should seek medical attention as the strain may be resistant or complications may be developing 1.
- Patients with underlying conditions, such as COPD, or those at high risk of complications should be closely monitored and considered for earlier antibiotic treatment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1.1 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis Clarithromycin extended-release tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis,or Streptococcus pneumoniae 1.3 Community-Acquired Pneumonia Clarithromycin extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to: Haemophilus influenzae(in adults)
The treatment for Haemophilus influenzae infection in adults is clarithromycin extended-release tablets. The recommended dosage is 1 gram every 24 hours for 7 days for acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis or community-acquired pneumonia 2.
- Key points:
- Infection site: The label does not specifically mention the throat as an infection site.
- Dosage: 1 gram every 24 hours for 7 days.
- Indication: Mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae.
From the Research
Treatment for Haemophilus influenzae Infection in Adults
- The treatment for Haemophilus influenzae infection in adults, particularly in the throat, often involves the use of antibiotics 3, 4, 5.
- Cephalosporins are commonly chosen for the treatment of adults with Haemophilus influenzae infections, including pneumonia 3.
- For less severe infections, ampicillin or amoxicillin may be used for 10 days in an ambulatory setting 3.
- However, the incidence of ampicillin-resistant strains of H. influenzae is increasing, and it is essential to test the isolate for beta-lactamase production and consider the ampicillin-resistance rate in the community 5.
- Newer cephalosporins, such as cefamandole and cefoxitin, may be effective in treating these infections 4.
- A study in 2016 found that most invasive H. influenzae isolates in the US were susceptible to clinically relevant antibiotics, except for ampicillin, with 28.1% of isolates being ampicillin-resistant 6.
- Another study in 2015 found that H. influenzae strains isolated from abscesses in adults showed resistance to ampicillin, cefuroxime, and tetracycline, but were susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, imipenem, azithromycin, and levofloxacin 7.
Antibiotic Resistance
- The production of beta-lactamase is a common mechanism of resistance to ampicillin in H. influenzae isolates 5, 6, 7.
- The detection of beta-lactamase production and the testing of antibiotic susceptibility are crucial in guiding the treatment of H. influenzae infections 5, 6, 7.
- The continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in H. influenzae isolates is essential to monitor susceptibility trends and mechanisms of resistance 6.