Toxic shock syndrome is an immune response to toxins that are released by bacteria. Common microbes such as Streptococcus pyrogenes and Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for throat and skin infections that are normally easy to cure. When toxins created by these microbes reach the bloodstream, toxic shock can result. Doctors use a number of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and end the production of toxins.
Clindamycin
The University of Michigan Medical School cites clindamycin as the antibiotic that is first used in the treatment of toxic shock syndrome. Clindamycin is marketed under the trade name Cleocin. It is available in capsules and intravenous forms, as well as in a lotion, gel, topical solution and vaginal cream. Its use as a vaginal product may compromise the integrity of condoms or contraceptive diaphragms and thus vaginally administered forms of clindamycin should not be used concurrently with those forms of birth control.
Cloxacillin
Cloxacilin is a form of penicillin that is used to treat toxic shock syndrome associated with staphylococcus infections. Its use is contraindicated for anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to penicillin, and the use of cloxacillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Symptoms may clear up before the infection is fully treated, at which point some patients succumb to the belief that they no longer need to take cloxacillin. This could decrease the effectiveness of the medication and lead to a recurrence of infection symptoms. Drugs.com notes that the entire prescription of this medication must be consumed in order to ensure its effectiveness.
Cefazolin
Cefazolin is another antibiotic used in the treatment of toxic shock syndrome once the presence of staph or strep bacteria has been confirmed. It is used in cases of moderate to life-threatening infection. It kills bacteria by inhibiting their ability to synthesize cell walls, according to Drugs.com.
Vancomycin
Vancomycin is one of a number of antibiotics used to treat toxic shock syndrome caused by bacteria that have grown resistant to antibiotics. These microbes, referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, pose greater challenges to health care professionals due to their ability to withstand traditional forms of treatment.
Vancomycin is administered through intravenous injection given at standard intervals to ensure its levels remain stable in the blood.
Other antibiotics used to treat toxic shock due to MRSA are daptomycin, linezolid and tigecycline.
