Which of the following antibiotic is the drug of choice in the treatment of lymphedema?
Penicillin 500mg given three to four times daily is the drug of choice in the treatment of lymphedema. Most common organisms causing soft tissue infection in patients with lymphedema are Staphylococcus and beta hemolytic Streptococcus. Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by ineffective lymphatic transpo which results in edema and skin damage. It is usually caused by lymphatic hypoplasia, functional insufficiency or absent lymphatic valves. It is classified into primary and secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema can be fuher classified into congenital lymphedema, lymphedema precox and lymphedema tarda. Secondary lymphedema can occur secondary to lymph node dissection, radiotherapy, trauma, infection and malignancy. Ref: Schwaz's Principles of Surgery, 9e, chapter 24
Penicillin
Amikacin
Metronidazole
Ceftazidime