What is EMLc?

EMLc, or Essential Medicines List for Children, is a list of antibiotic treatments created by the World Health Organization. The effectiveness of EMLc as a primary and secondary prophylactic is discussed in a WHO report presented before the Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2008.

When was the EMLc List Compiled?

The EMLc list was first compiled in 2007; a WHO model formulary update was released in 2008. The EMLc contains medications and dose regimens for managing rheumatic fever and/or rheumatic heart disease, developed with guidelines from the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Which Antibiotics are Used?

Benzathine, benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin and erythromycin are the antibiotics currently used in the World Health Organization EMLc model formulary for rheumatic heart disease and rheumatic fever, according to the WHO.

Primary Prophylaxis

As a primary prevention, EMLc antibiotic treatment uses benzathine benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin and erythromycin. EMLc is a proven method of treatment, according to WHO, but is not cost-effective and secondary prophylaxis may be necessary.

Secondary Prophylaxis

Secondary prophylaxis--antibiotic treatment aimed at preventing recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever--is a mainstay of RF/RHD management, according to the World Health Organization. Secondary prophylaxis also uses benzathine benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin and erythromycin.

Source:

World Health Organization: Antibiotics and Rheumatic Fever

guideline.gov: National Heart Foundation of Australia on RF and RHD