Antibiotic Guide for Adult Community-acquired Empyema

Community-acquired Empyema

Drainage is essential, discuss with respiratory team

• Co-amoxiclav IV 1.2g TDS Converting to Co-amoxiclav PO 375mg TDS plus Amoxicillin PO 250mg TDS (unless culture grown).

If mild penicillin allergy

• Cefuroxime IV 1.5g TDS plus Metronidazole IV 500mg TDS. Oral conversion therapy should be guided by culture result, Discuss with microbiology.

If allergic to cephalosporins/severe penicillin allergy (e.g. anaphylaxis)

• Clindamycin 600mg PO QDS with early discussion with a medical microbiologist

Notes

• Review antibiotics with microbiology results

Page last edited: 29/10/2008

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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