prophylactic penicillin
Preventive antibiotic therapy administered to children with sickle cell disease or asplenia to reduce the risk of pneumococcal infections.
Full Definition
Prophylactic penicillin is a cornerstone of comprehensive sickle cell care, typically initiated by 2-3 months of age and continued until at least 5 years of age in patients with sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and HbS-beta-zero thalassemia. The functional asplenia that develops in sickle cell disease makes patients extremely susceptible to encapsulated bacterial infections, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. Daily oral penicillin V significantly reduces the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia and related mortality. The regimen is usually combined with pneumococcal vaccination, and some centers continue prophylaxis beyond age 5 in high-risk patients or those with a history of serious bacterial infections.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'prophylactic' to distinguish from treatment doses; include age parameters when relevant.
In Context
- "All children with sickle cell anemia should be started on prophylactic penicillin by 2 months of age." — clinical practice guideline
- "The patient's prophylactic penicillin was discontinued at age 5 after discussion of risks and benefits." — hematology clinic note