Pharmacotherapy of tetanus--a review.

TL;DRAbstract

With adequate immunization, tetanus caused by the gram-positive anaerobic cocci, clostridium tetani, is a preventable disease. In treating C. tetani infection, Metronidazole as an antibiotic is more effective than Penicillin G since it is a GABA antagonist. Agents used to control spasm and rigidity should have little effect on the level of consciousness, respiration and blood pressure. The drug of choice for treating spasm and rigidity is benzodiazepine, a GABA agonists. Large doses of benzodiazepines may be required to overcome the spasm and are safe. Baclofen is another GABA agonist, which has been tried as an alternative to benzodiazepine with moderate success. Clinical experience with dantrolene sodium is limited. Magnesium with its unique properties on the neuromuscular junction and sympathetic system has been used to treat both spasms and autonomic dysfunction with limited success. Neuromuscular blocking drugs are indicated depending on the severity of spasms. Neuromuscular block

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