Antibiotic Guideline for the Treatment of Endocarditis- Duration of Therapy:

Enterococci, Penicillin resistant (MIC > 0.5mg/L) S. bovis/viridans strep, nutritionally variant streptococci (Gentamicin sensitive or low level resistant (MIC < 100 mg/l))

++All therapy and investigation should be discussed with Microbiology / Infectious Diseases.++

Has the patient

• been unwell for >3 months prior to diagnosis,
• had a complicated illness ; i.e. none of the following:
  • No cardiovascular risk factors such as heart failure, aortic insufficiency or conduction abnormalities.
  • No evidence of thromboembolic disease.
  • No vegetations more than 5 mm diameter on echocardiogram.
  • Clinical response within seven days. Temperature should return to normal, patient should feel well and appetite return.
• a prosthetic heart valve?

Yes to any - Treat for six weeks

No to all - Treat for four weeks

Page last edited: 31/10/2008

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.

Read our copyright and disclaimer statement