Which statement best describes the role of Erythromycin in Rheumatic fever management?

Erythromycin plays a significant role in the management of rheumatic fever, especially in cases where patients have a documented allergy to penicillin (PCN). While penicillin is considered the first-line treatment for the eradication of streptococcal infection and for the prevention of rheumatic fever recurrence, erythromycin serves as an effective alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate penicillin due to allergy.

In this context, erythromycin helps maintain the same therapeutic goals: treating the underlying infection and preventing the complications associated with rheumatic fever, such as carditis. This is particularly important because rheumatic fever is a sequela of untreated streptococcal throat infections, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is crucial in mitigating its consequences.

Although erythromycin can be used in other scenarios, such as to provide symptom relief or for secondary prevention, its primary indication in rheumatic fever management specifically ties back to its use in patients with a penicillin allergy.