This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Empirical choice of antibiotic

Authoring team

Consult expert advice and local guidance.

Community acquired:

  • skin and soft tissue - penicillin plus flucloxacillin
  • urinary tract - ampicillin + gentamicin or cephalosporin
  • pneumonia- penicillin plus erythromycin
  • biliary tract - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin
  • neutropenia - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin or ceftazidime
  • unknown source - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin with or without metronidazole

Hospital acquired:

  • skin and soft tissue - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin
  • urinary tract - ampicillin + gentamicin or cephalosporin
  • pneumonia - third generation cephalosporin
  • biliary tract - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin
  • neutropenia - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin or ceftazidime
  • unknown source - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin with or without metronidazole

The antibiotic treatments listed are suggestions. Please check local hospital and laboratory guidelines for definitive treatment guidance.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.