Toxic Shock Syndrome Medicines

According to the Mayo Clinic, toxic shock syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal complication of a bacterial infection that is commonly linked to the use of super absorbent tampons. TSS is frequently caused by from toxins produced by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A similar condition, called toxic shocklike syndrome), can be caused by streptococcal bacteria. When diagnosed early, toxic shock syndrome can be treated successfully.

• bacteria

Causes

• The Mayo Clinic says researchers aren't sure how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. Some theorize that when a tampon is kept in place for an extended period of time, it attracts bacteria. Other possible risk factors for TSS include cuts to the skin and surgery, and it can develop in postmenopausal women, men and children as well as in menstruating women.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Signs of toxic shock syndrome include headaches, muscle aches, a sudden high fever and chills, diarrhea and/or vomiting.

  There is no specific test for determining toxic shock syndrome. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and problems with the function of at least three organs. Your doctor may take blood and urine samples to check for a strep or staph infection.

Clindamycin

• According to the Toxic Shock Information Service, several antibiotics kill the staphylococcus aureus bacteria and successfully treat TSS.

  The National Institutes of Health says one common medication is clindamycin. Linezolid (yvox) may be prescribed if the bacteria seem resistant to clindamycin

Resistant Infections

• According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 90 percent of today's staph infections are resistant to penicillin, and nearly 50 percent of the staph bacteria found in hospitals can't be killed by the antibiotic methicillin. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus has led to the use of more potent and toxic antibiotics, including vancomycin.

  The NIH says vancomycin (vancocin, vancoled) and daptomycin are often effective against staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Daptomycin is typically administered first, followed by vancomycin.

  Other medications for toxic shock include tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (bactrim, bactrim DS, septra, septra DS).

Low Blood Pressure

• If your blood pressure begins to drop, you may need medication to stabilize it and fluids to counter dehydration.

  The toxins generated by the staph or strep bacteria and accompanying hypotension, or low blood pressure, can lead to kidney failure.

Stabalizing Medications

Prognosis

• The NIH says toxic shock syndrome can be fatal in nearly half of all cases and since people don't develop immunity to TSS it can return. When diagnosed early and treated immediately, most people completely recover.

  A few people will continue to have muscle weakness and may suffer emotional issues or have memory or concentration problems.