<prompt> Answer this question truthfullyWhat is the medical treatment for diphtheria?  <response>: <reason> Treatment of diphtheria consists of the administration of the diphtheria antitoxin if the disease is identified early, administration of the right antibiotic therapy, as well as the identification of individuals in close contact with the patient, so that they may be provided with the appropriate prophylaxis. 1. Antitoxin 1.1 Pharyngeal disease 48 hrs Preferred regimen: 20,000-40,000 U IVIM 1.2 Nasopharyngeal Preferred regimen: 40-60,000 U IVIM1.3 Extensive disease, or 72 hrs Preferred regimen: 80-120,000 U IVIMNote: IV administration may be suitable for severe disease2. Antibiotics Preferred regimen: Erythromycin 40 mgkgday Maximum, 2 gmday POIV for 14 days Alternative regimen: Procaine penicillin G 600,000 Uday IM qd for 14 days Note: Procaine penicillin G 300,000 Uday for those who weigh 10 kg or less3. Preventive antibiotic use Note: For close contacts, especially household contacts, an age-appropriate diphtheria booster should be given Preferred regimen: Benzathine penicillin G younger than 6 years old: 600,000 U IM 6 years old and older: 1,200,000 U IM Alternative regimen: Erythromycin Adult: 1 gday PO 7-10 daysPediatric: 40 mgkgday PO 7-10 days Note 1: If surveillance of contacts cannot be maintained, they should be given benzathine penicillin G Note 2: Maintain close surveillance and begin antitoxin at the earliest signs of illness 