GUIDELINE FOR ANTIBIOTIC (INCLUDING ANTIVIRAL AND PATIENTS IN COMMUNITY HOSPITALS/UNITS AND
Transcription
GUIDELINE FOR ANTIBIOTIC (INCLUDING ANTIVIRAL AND PATIENTS IN COMMUNITY HOSPITALS/UNITS AND
GUIDELINE FOR ANTIBIOTIC (INCLUDING ANTIVIRAL AND ANTIFUNGAL) TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS IN ADULT PATIENTS IN COMMUNITY HOSPITALS/UNITS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Status and Version Final version Category Clinical: Clinical Guideline (CG) 01 0413 Reference CP01 0413 Lead Director Dr Hemal Desai, Medical Director Lead Author Jo Jenkins, HCT Pharmacist Approved by: (Designated Subcommittee & date of approval) HCT Medicines Management Group Ratified by: (Designated Committee & date of ratification) Clinical Effectiveness Sub-committee (CES) Application: All Staff Date of Issue April 2013 Operational Date(If different from Date of Issue) As above Review Date To be reviewed 6 months after the operational date; every 2 years thereafter or earlier at the discretion of the Lead Director Signature of Authorising Director & Date: Dr H Desai, HCT Medical Director 12th March 2013 2nd April 2013 8th April 2013 Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is committed to being an organisation within which diversity, equality and human rights are valued. We will not discriminate either directly or indirectly and will not tolerate harassment or victimisation in relation to gender, marital status (including civil partnerships), gender reassignment, disability, race, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, trade union membership, status as a fixed-term or part-time worker, socioeconomic status and pregnancy or maternity leave status. Equality Impact Assessment (Level 1) completed by author Date: March 2013 This document is available electronically, in a larger font, or alternative format on request. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 1 Document History and version control: Progress V1 First Draft V2 Second draft (consultation draft) Final copy Circulation List Lead Person & Contact Number Jo Jenkins (based on current version) 01279 827230 Jo Jenkins (based on current version) 01279 827230 Jo Jenkins (based on current version) 01279 827230 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dr Hemal Desai – Medical Director HCT Carolyn Haselden – Lead Pharmacist HCT Dr Fiona Sinclair – PBC Chair, Primary Care Medicines Management Group (PMMG) Sarah Mantle - Lead Infection Control Nurse Caroline Holmes – Infection Control Nurse Shiona Robb – Infection Control Nurse HCT Medicines Management Group members HCT Locality Managers HCT Bed Based Unit Ward Managers/Team Leaders Dr Tammy Angel – St Albans City Hospital and Langley House Dr Clifford Lisk - Potters Bar Hospital Dr Alice Dain – Princess Alexandra Hospital Dr Bridget Andu – Gossoms End Rehab Unit Dr Joanna Gleasure – St Alban’s Community Hospital Dr Eleanor Mair – HCT Dr Yasmin Latief – Potters Bar Community Hospital Elizabeth Gregory - Diabetes Nurse Consultant, SUDS Dr Anjali Agrawal – Lead clinician for family planning Lynne Cross - Services Manager Podiatry, Skin Health, Leg Ulcer and Bowel and Bladder Services Dr Robin Wiggins - Consultant Microbiologist, West Hertfordshire NHS Trust Dr F M Awad-El-Kariem - Consultant Microbiologist, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Mr David Ladenheim - Antimicrobial Pharmacist, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Dr Sanjiv Agrawal - Skin Health Service Lee O’Hara - Adult bladder & Bowel care service Jacqui Carrett - Respiratory Specialist Nurses Helen Tilbe – Leg Ulcer Nurse Specialist HCT Louise Connolly - HCT Specialist Palliative Care and Lymphoedema service Dr Carol Scholes - Palliative Care Anne Barnett, Antibiotic pharmacist, Princess Alexandra Hospital Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. Date January 2013 25th February 2013 6th March 2013 January –March 2013 2 • • • • • • • • • • Peter Leslie, Pharmacist, Princess Alexandra Hospital Rochelle Bye, Pharmacist, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital Kirta Patel, Antibiotic Pharmacist, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital Gina Woodhead, Pharmacist, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Sue Schechter, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust Gill Salsbury, HCT Prison Services Manager Lynne Rotchell, HCT Service Manager, Skin Health Service Caroline Leith, HCT Podiatry Service Abby Cox, HCT Podiatry Service Dr F Sundram, Consultant Microbiologist, Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust Contents Page Introduction, purpose and scope of guidance Disclaimer Aims Principles of treatment Gentamicin prescribing IV therapy and step down to oral therapy Clostridium difficile infection Specific drug warnings Reference sources used Acknowledgements Comments 4 4 4 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 Prescribing guidance: Upper Respiratory Infections Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Meningitis Septicaemia Urinary Tract Infection Gastro-intestinal Tract Infections Genital Tract Infections Skin and Bone Infections Viral Infections Appendix 1: Gentamicin – once daily dosage guidance Glossary 12 13 15 16 16 19 20 22 29 31 33 Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 3 GUIDANCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INFECTION Introduction, Purpose & Scope of the Guidance • To support the appropriate prescribing of antibiotics by prescribers, including those who are employed directly and those contracted via other organisations to work for Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. • This guidance applies to treatment of adults only. Generally the advice contained within this guideline is applicable to the management of infection in children but for all children’s doses please refer to the most recent edition of the BNF for children. • This policy is based on the NHS Hertfordshire Primary Care Guidance and also that of the Acute Trusts in Hertfordshire where HCT have an SLA in place for Medical/ Pharmacy services. Monitoring and audit • Adherence and monitoring of antibiotic usage will be demonstrated through regular and timely audits of antibiotic prescribing within our Community Hospitals/Units and by our Community Services. The audits will also provide information on the prescribing of antibiotics which have been identified as ‘high risk’ to endeavour to reduce antibiotic associated infection like Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea and MRSA. • Antibiotic prescribing data will be regularly collated and sent to our services and non-medical prescribers who prescribe on FP10’s. Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guideline, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. The prescriber should be aware of any side effects, drug interactions or patient specific contraindications as detailed in the current British National Formulary or the Summary of Product Characteristics. Aims The aim of these guidelines, in line with evidence based national guidelines and HCT priorities are to: Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 4 • • • • Promote the safe, effective and economic use of antibiotics. Manage the prescribing of antibiotics thus reducing the incidence of antibiotic associated infections such as Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) and MRSA infection. Minimise the emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics within the community and community hospital settings. Assist prescribers in selecting an appropriate antibiotic for commonly encountered infections. Changes from October 2012 • • • • Addition of choice of antibiotic for the following indication: o Epididymo-orchitis Removal of section on management of dental infections. This information will be incorporated into a new stand alone guideline incorporating adult and paediatric management to reflect the dental services offered within HCT. Revised or new drug choices for: o Pharyngitis / sore throat / tonsillitis o Otitis media o Acute sinusitis o Community acquired pneumonia o UTI in pregnancy o Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea o Helicobacter pylori o Pelvic inflammatory disease o Bites o Cellulitis o Impetigo o Insect bites o Leg ulcers o Herpes simplex Revised dosage or frequency of treatment for: o Pharyngitis / sore throat / tonsillitis o Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea relapse o Vaginal candidiasis in pregnancy Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 5 • o Trichomoniasis o Conjunctivitis o Dermatophyte infection of the skin Revision / addition of comments or advice: o Link to prescribing PPIs in dyspepsia o Principles of treatment o Position of clarithromycin and erythromycin in guidelines o Otitis media o Acute sinusitis o Lower respiratory tract infections o Acute bronchitis o Acute exacerbation of COPD o Community acquired pneumonia o Meningitis o UTI in men o UTI - complicated o UTI recurrent o Acute prostatitis o Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea o Helicobacter pylori o Threadworm o Vaginal candidiasis o Chlamydia trachomatis o Bites o Cellulitis o Infected eczema o Leg ulcers o Scabies o Chicken pox o Shingles Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 6 Dental infections – please refer to separate guideline - HCT Guideline For Antibiotic (Including Antiviral And Antifungal) Treatment Of Dental Infections In Adult And Paediatric Patients In Community Settings (CG 02 04 13) Principles of treatment • • • • • • • • • • • • This guidance is based on the best available evidence but professional judgement should always be used and patients should be involved in the decision making process. Antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible in severe infection. Prescribing of antibiotics should only occur where consideration has been given to the origin of infection, there is a clinical need and the presence of viral infection such as sore throat, coughs and colds, viral conjunctivitis has been excluded. Antibiotics should never be prescribed during a telephone consultation apart from in exceptional circumstances. Consider the use of a delayed prescription for infections such as simple urinary tract infections, acute sore throat, acute cough, acute sinusitis, common cold. Where an antibiotic is indicated, the agent chosen should be the narrowest spectrum for the identified condition i.e. avoid broad spectrum antibiotics such as co-amoxiclav♣, cephalosporins♣ and quinolones♣. Always prescribe for the shortest duration (using broad spectrum antibiotics for long periods can promote resistance). Always prescribe generically. Avoid topical antibiotics unless indicated as they can promote resistance. Always check for allergy before prescribing an antibiotic. In pregnancy AVOID prescribing tetracyclines, quinolones♣, high dose metronidazole and trimethoprim (in the first trimester). Short term use of nitrofurantoin (at term there is a theoretical risk of neonatal haemolysis) is not expected to cause foetal problems. For recurrent or resistant infection, please contact your local microbiologist for advice. Gentamicin prescribing For gentamicin guidance (once daily regime only recommended in this guideline) please see appendix 1. IV therapy and step down to oral therapy IV therapy should only be initiated where clinically indicated and a switch to oral therapy should be made at the earliest opportunity to reduce the risk of further infection. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 Considerations for IV to oral switch COMS C Clinical improvement O Oral route not compromised o o o o o o o o Vomiting NBM Unconscious Mechanical Swallowing disorder Malabsorptive disorder NB: if NG/PEG feeding then please consult your pharmacist Suitable oral antibiotic option available M Markers showing a trend towards normal O o Apyrexial: Temp>36 and <38 C o Plus not more than one of o HR >90 beats/min o Resp rate >20 breaths/min o BP unstable o WCC <4 OR >12 (if abnormal, a trend towards the normal range and without neutropenia is acceptable) S Specific indication/deep seated infection (e.g. meningitis/encephalitis, endocarditis, mediastinitis, deep seated abscess/empyema, bone/joint infection, Staph.aureus bacteraemia) when a switch to oral therapy would not be appropriate. Many antibiotics are highly bioavailable in the oral form and as such IV may not be required, even in severe infection. Clostridium difficile infection (CDAD) • • All antibiotic prescribing should be within the recommendations of this guideline for the shortest period. Antibiotics that are associated with Clostridium difficile infection are highlighted in this guideline by the following symbol: ♣ and should be avoided in ‘at risk’ groups such as the elderly and those in institutions. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 8 • • • Current evidence has shown that clindamycin♣ and second/third generation cephalosporins♣ such as cefuroxime♣, cefixime♣, cefotaxime♣ and ceftriaxone♣ are significantly more likely to cause C. difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD). Anecdotal evidence has also implicated agents such as quinolones♣, first generation cephalosporins♣ and co-amoxiclav♣. These agents should therefore be used sparingly, especially in the elderly and for patients who live in institutions where CDAD is present. They should also be avoided in patients who have previously been treated for CDAD. There is evidence that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection and the prescribing of PPIs should therefore be considered carefully in at risk groups of patients and only be prescribed where there is a clear clinical indication (see guideline available at http://www.hertschs.nhs.uk/Library/staffarea/Polices_and_Guidance/Clinical_Policies/PPI%20prescribing%20guideline%20final.pdf). Where possible, the prescriber should be guided by laboratory results. Where this is not possible a narrow spectrum antibiotic should be selected. Cephalosporin Prescribing Analysis of electronic data has shown that NHS Hertfordshire are above average prescribers of cephalosporins♣ although this gap is starting to narrow. Prescribers are reminded that recommendations to prescribe cephalosporins♣ appear in the following areas only: • • • • 2nd line in meningitis 3rd line in UTI in pregnancy 2nd line in Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – high risk of gonorrhoea 1st line in epididymo-orchitis Specific Drug Warnings • Erythromycin Erythromycin interacts with many other medications, the majority of which are classified by the BNF as ‘potentially hazardous’. Please see appendix 1: interactions (macrolides) of the current BNF for further information. Interaction with statins – simvastatin should be temporarily stopped during therapy with erythromycin. • Clarithromycin Interaction with statins: simvastatin should be temporarily stopped during therapy with clarithromycin; atorvastatin should be temporarily stopped during therapy with clarithromycin but if continued dose of atorvastatin should not exceed 20mg daily. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 9 • Flucloxacillin The Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM) has advised that very rarely cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis may occur up to 2 months after treatment with flucloxacillin has been stopped. Administration for greater than 2 weeks and increasing age are risk factors. Flucloxacillin should not be used in patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction associated with flucloxacillin and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. • Quinolones♣ The CSM has warned that quinolones may induce convulsions in patients with or without a history of convulsions. Tendon damage (including rupture) has been reported rarely in patients receiving quinolones. Tendon rupture may occur within 48 hours of starting treatment up to several months after stopping a quinolone. Quinolones are contra-indicated in patients with a history of tendon disorders. Patients over 60 years or those concomitantly taking corticosteroids are at increased risk of tendon damage. • Co-amoxiclav♣ The CSM has advised that cholestatic jaundice can occur either during or shortly after treatment. An epidemiological study has shown that the risk of acute liver toxicity was about 6 times greater than with amoxicillin. Cholestatic jaundice is more common in patients over 65 and in men and rarely occurs in children. Jaundice is usually self-limiting and very rarely fatal. Duration of treatment should not usually exceed 14 days. • Itraconazole Following rare reports of heart failure, the CSM has advised caution when prescribing itraconazole to patients at high risk of heart failure. This includes patients who are receiving high doses and longer treatment courses, older patients, those with cardiac disease and patients receiving treatment with negative inotropic drugs such as calcium channel blockers. Itraconazole should be avoided in patients with ventricular dysfunction or a history of heart failure unless the infection is serious. Reference Sources Used • • • NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Current evidence references for individual infections – commissioned by NHS Evidence, a service provided by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Accessed January 2013. Health Protection Agency. Meningococcal Disease – updated April 2011Accessed January 2013. Health Protection Agency. General information on extended spectrum beta lactamases – January 2009. Accessed January 2013. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 10 • • • • • • • • Health Protection Agency. Clostridium difficile infection – updated December 2012. Accessed January 2013. Health Protection Agency. Helicobacter pylori – updated May 2009. Accessed January 2013. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. CG101 Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in adults in Primary and Secondary Care – June 2010. Accessed January 2013. British National Formulary No 64 – September 2012. Accessed January 2013. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. Current guidelines for individual genital tract infections. Accessed January 2013. British Thoracic Society. Guidelines for the management for community acquired pneumonia in adults – updated 2009. Accessed January 2013. National Electronic Library for Medicines. Clostridium difficile infection – which antimicrobials are implicated? Q&A 28.10.08. Accessed January 2013. Health Protection Agency. Management of Infection Guidance for Primary Care – for Consultation and Local Adaptation – November 2012. Accessed January 2013. Acknowledgements o o The authors would like to thank the many health care professionals whose insightful and valuable comments helped to shape this document. Particular thanks to Alison Dossetter, Prescribing Advisor with NHS Hertfordshire who produced the original NHS Hertfordshire Guidance on the management of infection in Primary Care on which this document is based. Other NHS organisations. Comments Comments are welcome and should be directed to Carolyn Haselden (Lead Pharmacist HCT) at [email protected] Contacts For further advice please contact one of the HCT Medicines Management Team: Carolyn Haselden, Lead Pharmacist ([email protected]) 01279 827229 Jo Jenkins, Pharmacist ([email protected] k) 01279 827230 Ranjit Nagra, Pharmacist ([email protected] ) 01707 369664 Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 11 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS NICE - Respiratory Tract Infections CG69 Pharyngitis / sore throat / tonsillitis Otitis media Do not routinely prescribe antibiotics or consider a delayed prescribing strategy. Majority of infections are viral and resolve within 1 week. Do not routinely prescribe antibiotics. For acute attacks with no systemic features advise paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. Phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg QDS 10 days The majority of sore throats are viral but there is clinical overlap between viral and streptococcal infections. Consider delayed script as antibiotics generally shorten duration of symptoms by 8 hours. Patients with 3 or 4 Centor criteria (history of fever, purulent or enlarged tonsils, cervical adenopathy, absence of cough) or history of otitis media may benefit from antibiotics. Clarithromycin 500mg BD 5 days CKS - Sore Throat Amoxicillin or clarithromycin (penicillin allergy). Azithromycin for treatment failure (3 days). Consult current BNF for Children for doses. 5 days 60% of attacks resolve within 24 hours without antibiotics. They only reduce pain at 2 days and do not prevent deafness. Consider 2 or 3 day delayed or immediate antibiotics for pain relief if: • < 2 years with bilateral AOM or bulging membrane and ≥ 4 marked symptoms • All ages with otorrhoea CKS - Otitis media Acute sinusitis Do not routinely prescribe antibiotics and advise use of adequate analgesia. Amoxicillin 500mg TDS Clarithromycin 500mg BD or doxycycline 200mg stat then 100mg OD. Consider erythromycin for pregnant women and coamoxiclav♣ for persistent symptoms. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 days Many attacks are viral and symptomatic benefit of antibiotics is small – 80% resolve within 14 days without antibiotics. Consider an immediate script if patient is systemically unwell, has co-morbidities or when purulent nasal discharge is present. CKS - Sinusitis 12 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS Low doses of penicillins are more likely to select out resistance. Do NOT use quinolones first line due to poor pneumococcal activity. Reserve all quinolones for proven resistant organisms. The benefits of antibiotics are marginal in otherwise healthy adults. The use of leaflets explaining the nature of the illness and why antibiotics are not necessary may be helpful. Consider immediate Amoxicillin 500mg TDS or antibiotics if > 80 years and ONE of: hospitalisation Acute Bronchitis Doxycycline 200mg stat 5 days in last year, oral steroids, diabetic, congestive heart then 100mg OD failure OR > 65 years with 2 of above. CKS - Acute bronchitis Acute exacerbation of COPD Amoxicillin 500mg TDS or Doxycycline 200mg stat then 100mg OD Co-amoxiclav♣ 625mg TDS (if resistance) 5 days NICE - CG69 Treat exacerbations promptly with antibiotics if purulent sputum and increased shortness of breath and/or increased sputum volume. Risk factors for antibiotic resistant organisms include co-morbidities, severe COPD, frequent exacerbations or antibiotic treatment within last 3 months. Oral steroids may be considered in conjunction with antibiotics where inflammation is a factor or considered alone if cause viral or environmental. CKS - COPD NICE - COPD Community acquired pneumonia - treatment in the community If CRB*65 score = 0 Amoxicillin 500mg TDS or Clarithromycin 500mg BD or Doxycycline 200mg stat then 100mg OD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 days Start antibiotics immediately. Use CRB65 score to help guide and review. 0 = suitable for home treatment. 1-2 = hospital assessment or admission. 3-4 = Urgent admission. *Each scores 1: Confusion (AMT<8); Respiratory rate > 30/minute; Age > 65; Bp systolic <90 or 13 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments diastolic ≤60. Give immediate IM Benzylpenicillin or oral amoxicillin (1G) if delayed admission or life threatening. If CRB65 score = 1 and patient at home Amoxicillin 500mg TDS plus Clarithromycin 500mg BD or doxycycline 200mg stat then 100mg OD Community Acquired Pneumonia: Hospital Treated Non-Severe Pneumonia Community Acquired Pneumonia: Hospital Treated Severe Pneumonia Amoxicillin 500mg – 1g tds plus clarithromycin 500mg bd PO If penicillin allergic: clarithromycin 500mg bd PO Amoxicillin 1g tds IV plus clarithromycin 500mg bd IV Switch to oral amoxicillin/clarithromycin when clinically appropriate CKS - Pneumonia 10 days BTS - 2009 Guideline Alternative if intravenous treatment needed because patient cannot 7-10 days take by mouth: Amoxicillin 500mg – 1g tds IV plus clarithromycin 500mg bd IV If penicillin allergic: clarithromycin 500mg bd IV If penicillin allergic: teicoplanin 400mg once daily (after 3 loading doses of 400mg 12 hourly) plus clarithromycin 500mg bd IV Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7-10 days 14 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Hospital acquired pneumonia Piperacillin/tazobactam 2.25g IV TDS If penicillin allergic: Consult Consultant Microbiologist 7-10 days Aspiration pneumonia Co-amoxiclav IV 1.2g 8 hourly If allergic to penicillin: clarithromycin IV/oral 500mg 12 hourly plus metronidazole IV 500mg or oral 400mg 8 hourly Rationale/Comments 7-10 days If severe and hospital acquired add ciprofloxacin as above MENINGITIS Suspected meningococcal disease Adults and children aged 10 years and over Benzylpenicillin IV (preferable) or IM 1200mg, children aged 1 to 9 years 600mg, children aged under 1 year 300mg Cefotaxime♣ 1G IV (preferable) or IM (minor penicillin allergy) Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. Transfer all patients to hospital immediately. NICE recommends that children and young people with suspected bacterial meningitis without nonblanching rash should be transferred directly to secondary care and not given parenteral antibiotics. If urgent transfer is not possible then antibiotics should be administered. For suspected meningococcal disease (meningitis with non-blanching rash or meningococcal septicaemia), parenteral antibiotics should be given at the earliest opportunity but transfer to secondary care should not be delayed in order to give the 15 parenteral antibiotics. Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments Secondary prevention should only be prescribed after consulting a public health doctor. HPA - Guidelines NICE - Meningococcal disease SEPTECAEMIA (not meningitis – see separate entry) Septicaemia Continue to follow the care plan as provided by the acute setting URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS Nitrofurantoin is usually first line but should be avoided if eGFR is < 60ml/minute/1.73m Uncomplicated UTI i.e. no fever or flank pain (women) Nitrofurantoin 50mg QDS or 100mg BD (MR) or trimethoprim 200mg BD 3 days 2 Consider delayed script for 2 days. Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) are increasing so perform cultures in all treatment failures. ESBLs remain sensitive to nitrofurantoin and there is less failure with trimethoprim than with cephalosporins. If clinical signs present treat empirically. If few clinical signs present then do dipstick tests for both leukocyte esterase (LE) and nitrite - only treat if both are positive. CKS - UTI HPA - ESBLs NICE - UTI 3 day course Complicated UTI (including UTI with underlying pathology) Nitrofurantoin 50mg QDS or 100mg BD (MR) or trimethoprim 200mg BD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 days 16 Infection UTI in pregnancy 1st Line Choice Nitrofurantoin 50mg QDS (risk of foetal/neonatal haemolysis if used near to term) 2nd Line Choice Trimethoprim 200mg BD (not in first trimester) or Cefalexin♣ 250mg QDS rd (3 line) Duration 7 days Rationale/Comments Mid-stream urine (MSU) should always be taken to confirm sensitivity. Do not use trimethoprim in women who are in the first trimester. Do not use nitrofurantoin in women who are G6PD deficient or are near to term. CKS - UTI in pregnancy UTI in men UTI - recurrent (≥ 3 per year) in non-pregnant adult women Nitrofurantoin 50mg QDS or 100mg BD (MR) or trimethoprim 200mg BD Trimethoprim 100mg nocte or nitrofurantoin 50mg nocte 7 days MSU should always be taken to confirm sensitivity. Consider prostatitis. CKS - UTI in men 6 month trial Offer a script for stand by treatment before considering prophylactic antibiotics. Use a STAT dose of trimethoprim 100mg post coital if recurrent infection is associated with sexual intercourse (unlicensed and within 2 hours of sexual intercourse). Use a nightly prophylactic dose for recurrent infection NOT associated with sexual intercourse. Caution - prolonged use of nitrofurantoin can cause pulmonary fibrosis CKS - UTI recurrent Pyelonephritis - acute Ciprofloxacin♣ 500mg BD OR 7 days Co-amoxiclav♣ 625mg TDS 14 days Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. MSU should always be taken to confirm sensitivity. If no response within 24 hours or there is clinical deterioration arrange for admission. CKS - Pyelonephritis 17 Infection 1st Line Choice Prostatitis - acute Ciprofloxacin♣ 500mg BD Urinary catheter insertion or change No treatment recommended unless: o History of bacteremia on previous insertion/change o Prosthetic material in situ o Neutropenia (pt not already on antibiotics) o Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis Patients with indwelling urinary catheters Usually antibiotic treatment is not required unless patient is systemically unwell, when treatment should follow antibiotic sensitivity test result with changing /removal of the catheter. If symptoms are moderate/severe and cannot wait for sensitivity test result before commencing antibiotics treat as for UTI and review once results available. 2nd Line Choice Trimethoprim 200mg BD Duration 4 weeks Rationale/Comments 4 weeks treatment may prevent chronic infection. Quinolones♣ are more effective as they achieve higher prostate levels. If patient is sexually active, chlamydia needs to be excluded. Infection should be confirmed with a urine culture which will guide treatment if it is positive. CKS - Prostatitis BASHH - Prostatitis Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. For empirical management: Discuss with Consultant Microbiologist CKS-Prevention of UTI in women during catheter change CKS-Prevention of UTI in men during catheter change Do not treat asymptomatic bacteriuria. Considerable clinical judgement is required to diagnose urinary tract infection (UTI) in men with an indwelling urinary catheter. If symptoms are severe (for example severe nausea and vomiting, confusion, tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypotension, reduced urine output), admit the person to hospital; intravenous antibiotics may be required. Check that the catheter is correctly positioned and is not blocked. If the catheter has been in place for more than a week, consider changing it before starting antibiotic treatment. If there is fever or loin pain (or both), manage as acute pyleonephritis. Otherwise, treat as for UTI but before starting antibiotic treatment, obtain a urine sample for culture/microscopy. CKS-Indwelling catheter related UTI men CKS-Indwelling catheter related UTI women 18 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT INFECTIONS Gastro-enteritis Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhoea (CDAD) Antibiotic therapy is not usually indicated as it only reduces diarrhoea by 1-2 days and can cause resistance. Fluid replacement is essential and only initiate antibiotic treatment if the patient is systemically unwell. Check travel, food, hospital and antibiotic history as C. difficile is increasing. In community setting please send stool specimens from suspected cases of food poisoning and post antibiotic use and notify the Health Protection Unit after seeking advice from a public health doctor. In HCT Bed Based Units please inform the infection control team who will notify the HPA as necessary. Stop all antibiotics unless it is absolutely essential that they are continued (consider hospital admission in these circumstances) and review need for PPI and laxative therapy (see HCT guidance for prescribing of PPIs and laxatives at http://www.hertschs.nhs.uk/staffarea/Polices_and_Guidance/Clinical_Policies.aspx). Send a stool sample. 70% respond to metronidazole Vancomycin 125mg QDS in 5 days; 92% in 14 days. Recurrent disease occurs Metronidazole 400mg TDS rd 10 - 14 days in about 20% of patients treated initially with either (3 episode or if severe or st nd (1 /2 episodes) if type 027 confirmed) metronidazole or vancomycin. The same antibiotic that was used initially can be used to treat the first recurrence because the majority of recurrences are reinfections as opposed to relapses. CKS - CDAD HPA - Clostridium difficile CDAD relapse (second and subsequent recurrences) Vancomycin 125mg QDS Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 14 days Send stool sample for confirmation. Withhold antibiotic treatment if symptoms mild. Discuss management with a consultant microbiologist. HPA - C Diff guidelines 19 Infection Helicobacter Pylori eradication (positive test) Diverticulitis (acute) 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice PPI (use cheapest) plus clarithromycin 250mg BD plus metronidazole 400mg BD OR PPI (use cheapest) plus clarithromycin 500mg BD plus amoxicillin 1G BD 7 days PPI plus tripotassium dicitratobismuthate 120mg QDS plus 2 unused antibiotics: amoxicillin 1G BD, metronidazole 400mg TDS, tetracycline 500mg QDS Co-amoxiclav♣ 625mg TDS Duration Metronidazole 400mg TDS plus ciprofloxacin♣ 500mg BD in penicillin allergy Rationale/Comments Do not use either metronidazole or clarithromycin if used in the past year for any infection. SEE CURRENT BNF FOR INFORMATION. It is not usually necessary to continue PPI therapy but if the ulcer is large, haemorrhaging or perforated then PPI treatment can be continued for 3 weeks. Discuss treatment with local gastroenterologists to ensure compliance with local guidelines. 14 days HPA - Helicobacter pylori 7 days Broad spectrum antibiotics should be prescribed to cover both anaerobes and Gram-negative rods. Paracetamol should be prescribed for pain and the patient should be advised to consume clear liquids only. Solid food can be gradually introduced as symptoms improve over 2 to 3 days. Review within 48 hours or sooner if symptoms deteriorate. CKS - Acute Diverticulitis GENITAL TRACT INFECTIONS - BASHH (British Association of Sexual Health and HIV) GUIDELINES. Refer all patients and contacts with suspected STIs to GUM clinic. Guidelines - BASHH Vaginal Candidiasis Clotrimazole cream 10% PV or clotrimazole 500mg pessary Fluconazole 150mg oral Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. STAT dose All topical and oral azoles give 75% cure. Avoid oral azoles in pregnancy. There are many other options for treatment including a 3 day course of clotrimazole 200mg pessary and a 6 day course of clotrimazole 100mg pessary. 20 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments CKS - Candidiasis Vaginal Candidiasis in pregnancy Clotrimazole 100mg pessary 6 Nights HPA - Vaginal candidiasis Counsel patient that applicators may be used but care must be taken to avoid damage to the cervix. Pessaries may be inserted by hand. CKS - Candida - female genital Metronidazole 400mg BD or 2g stat Bacterial Vaginosis Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream 5g at night Metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel 5g at night 7 days A 7 day course of oral metronidazole is slightly more effective than 2g stat. Avoid 2g stat dose in pregnancy. Topical treatment gives similar cure rates but is more expensive. 5 days CKS - Bacterial vaginosis HPA - Bacterial vaginosis Azithromycin 1g STAT dose Chlamydia Trachomatis Doxycycline 100mg BD 7 days Treat partners and refer all patients and contacts to GUM clinic. Use azithromycin (unlicensed) in pregnancy or breastfeeding as doxycycline is contraindicated and test for cure 6 weeks after treatment due to lower cure rate in pregnancy. CKS - Chlamydia HPA - Chlamydia Epididymo-orchitis Due to any sexually transmitted pathogen Ceftriaxone♣ 500mg IM (stat) PLUS doxycycline 100mg BD Under 35 years and/or high risk of sexually transmitted infection Doxycycline 100mg BD or ofloxacin♣ 200mg BD Over 35 years and/or low risk of sexually transmitted infection Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 14 days Use ofloxacin for all cases where patient is allergic to cephalosporins and/or doxycycline. 10 days CKS - Epididymo-orchitis 21 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments Co-amoxiclav♣ 625mg TDS or ciprofloxacin♣ 500mg BD Trichomoniasis Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Metronidazole 400mg BD or 2g stat Metronidazole 400mg BD plus ofloxacin♣ 400mg BD Tinidazole 2g stat Ceftriaxone♣ 500mg IM (single dose) plus metronidazole 400mg BD plus doxycycline 100mg BD if gonorrhoea likely 5 – 7 days 14 days Refer to GUM clinic and treat partners simultaneously. Avoid 2g stat dose in pregnancy. There is some evidence to suggest that a 2g stat dose of metronidazole is less effective than 400mg BD. CKS - Trichomoniasis HPA - Trichomoniasis Refer patients and contacts to GUM clinic. Test for N. Gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia. Microbiological and clinical cure are greater with ofloxacin than with doxycycline however there is emerging clinical resistance to quinolones and they therefore shouldn't be used for patients at high risk of gonococcal infection. CKS - PID RCOG - PID SKIN AND BONE INFECTIONS Acne (moderate or severe) Bites (animal and human) Oxytetracycline 500mg BD or Lymecycline 408mg OD Co-amoxiclav♣ 375mg 625mg TDS (animal and human) Erythromycin 500mg (2x250mg) BD (in pregnancy or if tetracyclines not tolerated) Animal Bites (penicillin allergy) metronidazole 400mg TDS plus doxycycline 100mg BD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 4 to 6 months Tetracyclines should not be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children under the age of 12 as they are deposited in teeth and bones. CKS - Acne 7 days Antibiotic prophylaxis (antibiotics and duration as for treatment - CKS) advised for all cat bites, animal bites to the hand, foot or face; puncture wounds; wounds requiring surgical debridement; wounds 22 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Human Bites (penicillin allergy) metronidazole 400mg TDS plus clarithromycin 250mg to 500mg BD Duration 7 days Rationale/Comments involving joints, tendons, ligaments or suspected fractures. Also patients at risk of serious wound infection e.g. diabetics, cirrhotics, asplenic or immunocompromised patients and the elderly. Antibiotic prophylaxis advised for all human bites and review after 24 and 48 hours. Assess for HIV, tetanus, hepatitis B&C in human bites and tetanus and rabies risk in animal bites. CKS - Bites Bites (insect) Boils Cellulitis Systemic antibiotics only if clinical evidence of infection or patient is systemically unwell or purulent discharge present Flucloxacillin 250mg 500mg QDS Flucloxacillin 250mg – 500mg Clarithromycin 250mg – 500mg BD (penicillin allergy) Clarithromycin 250mg – 500mg BD (penicillin allergy) or erythromycin 250mg – 500mg (2x250mg) QDS (in pregnancy) 7 days 7 days CKS - Insect bites Antibiotics are not always necessary but can be considered if the lesion is large or there is associated fever or cellulitis, there are co-morbidities e.g. diabetes or complications are more likely because of the site affected e.g. face. Self care advice should also be given CKS - Boils Non severe: Flucloxacillin oral 500mg qds Moderate/ Severe: Benzylpenicillin IV 1.2g QDS plus Flucloxacillin IV1g QDS Treat as for cellulitis if infected. Fever/lymphangitis are indicators for treatment. Hot/sore bites may be due to local histamine release. If MRSA suspected then add teicoplanin 400mg bd every 12 hours for 3 doses then 400mg od for 10 days If allergic to penicillin: Contact microbiologist If changing from IV, change Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 days For advice on the management of cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema see Consensus Document on the management of cellulitis in lymphoedema 23 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Duration Rationale/Comments to oral amoxicillin AND oral flucloxacillin a) Mild infections: Flucloxacillin 500mg qds Patients with diabetes (Diabetic Foot) b) Cellulitis: As cellulitis management above 14 days Note patients with peripheral neuropathy and or peripheral vascular disease do not always display the normal inflammatory signs of redness, heat and swelling for example For penicillin allergy contact Consultant Microbiologist. Contact Consultant Microbiologist c) Severe infections: Discuss with local microbiology team Start oral flucloxacillin 500mg qds and refer to the acute medical/diabetes team for further advice Severe/limb threatening diabetic/Hot Foot is a medical emergency that requires co-ordinated input from the Diabetes Podiatrist, Consultant Diabetologist and Consultant Microbiologist in addition to surgical input Cellulitis related to leg ulcer(s) CREST guidance Class I Class I - Patients have no signs of systemic toxicity, have no uncontrolled comorbidities and can usually be managed with oral anti-microbials on an outpatient basis Flucloxacillin 500mg QDS Clarithromycin 500mg BD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 7 days CKS - Leg Ulcers/CREST (Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team) Management of Cellulitis in Adults guidance 2005 http://www.acutemed.co.uk/docs/Cellulitis%20guideli nes,%20CREST,%2005.pdf 24 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Cellulitis related to leg ulcer(s) Class II/III Class II -Patients are either systemically ill or systemically well but with a co-morbidity such as peripheral vascular disease, chronic venous insufficiency or morbid obesity which may complicate or delay resolution of their infection. Flucloxacillin 2g QDS IV Clarithromycin 500mg BD IV Class III -patients may have a significant systemic upset such as acute confusion, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension or may have unstable co-morbidities that may interfere with a response to therapy or have a limb threatening infection due to vascular compromise. Duration Rationale/Comments Total course length dependent of clinical presentation but typically up to 14 days – step down to oral therapy as soon as clinically appropriate (usually within 3-4 days) - see Class I for dosages Cellulitis related to leg ulcer(s) Class IV Class IV - patients have sepsis syndrome or severe life threatening infection such as necrotizing fasciitis. Recurrent cellulitis related to leg ulcer(s) - 2 or more episodes at the same site Seek Consultant Microbiologist advice Penicillin V 250mg bd Erythromycin 250mg bd Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. Up to 2 years depending on clinical situation CREST (Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team) Management of Cellulitis in Adults guidance 2005 25 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Conjunctivitis Local cleansing of affected eye(s) using boiled, cooled water can be recommended before use of topical antibiotics. Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops 2 hourly for 2 days then 4 hourly whilst awake or chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment at night or fusidic acid eye drops 1% BD Terbinafine 250mg OD Amorolfine 5% topical paint (mild or superficial infections only) once or twice a week Dermatophyte infection of the finger or toe nail Itraconazole pulsed therapy 200mg BD Dermatophyte infection of the skin Clotrimazole 1% cream BD-TDS Terbinafine 1% cream BD Eczema - infected Impetigo Duration For 48 hours after resolution Rationale/Comments Most infections are viral, self-limiting and will clear within 1-2 weeks without treatment (even if they are bacterial). Chloramphenicol is available to buy over the counter for patients over the age of 2 years. CKS - Conjunctivitis Fingers - 6 to 12 weeks and toes - 3 to 6 months Fingers - 6 months and toes - 12 months 1 week with subsequent courses repeated after 21 days For 1-2 weeks after the infected area has healed 7-14 days Take nail clippings. Treatment should only be started if infection is confirmed. If symptoms are not troublesome or patients are not at increased risk of developing side effects, then self care measures should be considered. NHS Hertfordshire has stated that the treatment of dermatophyte infections is a LOW priority. Hertfordshire decision Fingers require 2 pulsed courses and toes require at least 3 courses CKS - Fungal nail infection Take skin scrapings for culture. Consider oral itraconazole if intractable. Topical terbinafine is as effective as clotrimazole. CKS - Fungal skin infection If there are no visible signs of infection, the use of antibiotics either alone or in combination with corticosteroids, encourages resistance and does not improve healing. In infected eczema, treat as per impetigo below. Fusidic acid 2% Topical treatments should be reserved for cream/ointment TDS (non 5 days localised/minor infection to prevent resistance bullous) developing. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 26 Infection 1st Line Choice 2nd Line Choice Flucloxacillin 500mg QDS (bullous and non bullous) Duration Rationale/Comments 7 days Clarithromycin 250500mg BD (penicillin allergy – bullous and non bullous) 7 days CKS - Impetigo CKS - Insect bites Surgical wound infections (post surgery) Flucloxacillin 500mg-1g qds (oral or IV) In contaminated sites such as groin co-amoxiclav 625mg tds or 1.2g IV tds if severe Dirty/penetrating wound Co-amoxiclav 625mg tds PO (or 1.2g tds IV for severe infection) Penicillin allergy – Contact Consultant Microbiologist 7 days If allergic to penicillin: Contact Consultant Microbiologist Consider tetanus prophylaxis 7 days** Leg Ulcers Flucloxacillin 500mg QDS Clarithromycin 500mg BD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. Penicillin allergy consult local microbiology team for advice. In severe infections, discuss with the Consultant Microbiologist. Ulcers always colonized. Antibiotics do not improve healing unless there is active infection. Swabs and antibiotics are only indicated if there is either cellulitis or evidence of clinical infection e.g. inflammation, redness, pyrexia, increased pain or enlarging ulcer. Send pre-treatment swab in active infection and review antibiotics after culture results. Refer for specialist opinion in severe infection e.g. diabetics. **If the infection is sensitive to the empirical antibiotic but only slowly responding and not 27 Infection Mastitis 1st Line Choice Flucloxacillin 500mg QDS 2nd Line Choice Erythromycin 250mg – 500mg QDS Duration 14 days Rationale/Comments deteriorating, review after 7 days and consider continuing the antibiotic for a further 7 days Antibiotic treatment is recommended if the woman has an infected nipple fissure, symptoms do not improve or are worsening after 12-24 hours despite effective milk removal or bacterial culture is positive. Antibiotics indicated are only excreted in very small amounts and the infant should not be affected but occasionally stools may be looser or more frequent or the infant may be more irritable. The woman should continue to breastfeed and paracetamol can be used to relieve discomfort in addition to warm compresses on the breast or a warm bath/shower. CKS - Mastitis PVL Scabies Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin produced by 2% of S.aureus. Can rarely cause severe invasive infections in healthy people. Send swabs if recurrent boils/abscesses. Risks: close contact in communities or sports, poor hygiene, eczema. HPA - PVL Permethrin 5% dermal cream Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid – in permethrin allergy Repeat after 7 days Treat whole body from ear/chin downwards including under the nails. The very young, elderly and immunocompromised should also apply treatment to the face and scalp. Treat ALL household and sexual contacts within 24 hours. CKS - Scabies Acute osteomyelitis Flucloxacillin 1 – 2g qds IV plus sodium fusidate 500mg tds orally (NOT IV)) Change to oral antibiotics after 10 – 14 days. Penicillin allergy – Contact Consultant Microbiologist Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 4 – 6 weeks Blood cultures are essential. Review therapy when culture results are available and the pathogen has been identified. 28 Infection Septic arthritis 1st Line Choice Flucloxacillin 1 – 2g qds IV plus sodium fusidate 500mg tds orally (NOT IV)) Consider oral switch when clinically appropriate 2nd Line Choice Penicillin allergy – Contact Consultant Microbiologist Duration Treat for 3 – 4 weeks Rationale/Comments Blood cultures essential. Aspirate pus for Gram film and culture before initiating treatment with antibiotics. Review therapy when culture results available and pathogen known. Initial high dose parenteral therapy is essential. VIRAL INFECTIONS Chicken Pox Aciclovir 800mg five times a day 7 days If pregnant, immunocompromised or neonatal seek urgent specialist advice. Consider aciclovir if onset of rash is < 24 hours and over 14 years or severe pain or dense/oral rash or secondary household case or smoker. If patients develop life-threatening complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia or CNS deterioration they should be sent immediately to hospital. It is recommended that non-immune immunocompromised patients or pregnant women who come into contact with chicken pox are given Varicella-Zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) if they meet the criteria according to the current 'green' book. Supplies can be obtained from the HPA Colindale on 020 8327 7471. CKS - Chickenpox Herpes Simplex (Oral) Cold sores resolve after 710 days without treatment. Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12-24 hours. Aciclovir 5% topical cream five times a day Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 5 days Counsel patient that treatment needs to be initiated at the onset of symptoms before vesicles appear and that topical antivirals only affect the course of the current episode - they do not cure the individual or prevent further recurrence. CKS - Herpes 29 Infection Shingles 1st Line Choice Aciclovir 800mg five times a day 2nd Line Choice Use ONLY if compliance is a problem because cost is ten times greater than aciclovir Valaciclovir 1g TDS or famciclovir 250mg TDS or famciclovir 750mg OD Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. Duration 7 days Rationale/Comments If pregnant or immunocompromised, seek urgent specialist advice. Treat if over 50 years and within 72 hours of the rash or if there is active ophthalmic infection or Ramsey Hunt or eczema. CKS - Shingles 30 Appendix 1 Gentamicin – once daily dosage guidance (all gentamicin prescribing referred to in this guidance follows this once daily regime) Despite the availability of newer, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, gentamicin has retained its major place in the treatment of severe infection due to aerobic Gram negative bacilli for the following reasons: o Potent broad spectrum bactericidal activity o Minimal initial resistance and minimal development of resistance on therapy o Cost Gentamicin carries a risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This can be minimised by: o Not using gentamicin in patients with renal impairment o Employing short courses (avoid more than 5 days therapy) o Monitoring serum concentrations every 2 – 3 days (more often if renal function is changing) o Employing a regimen with extended dosing interval (once-daily dose) instead of the standard 8 or 12 hourly regimens Rationale for using once-daily doses: o Gentamicin exhibits concentration-dependent killing of Gram negative organisms and prolonged post-antibiotic effects. o Nephrotoxicity from gentamicin is saturable. With the same total dose a bolus dose carries a significantly lower risk of renal impairment than the same dose as a constant infusion. o The important factors for nephrotoxicity, whether a bolus or same dose in several administrations, are a) – high trough levels and b) – prolonged duration of therapy. o Uptake of gentamicin into the inner ear is also saturable (i.e. accumulation is not the cause of ototoxicity). For ototoxicity the important risk factors are duration and concomitant renal impairment o Therefore, if given correctly, once-daily bolus gentamicin results in improved bactericidal activity and reduced toxicity. o Once-daily dosing, in addition to being convenient for staff, also results in reduced costs of drug administration and omission of measurements of peak antibiotic levels should result in substantial cost savings. Exclusions to using once-daily gentamicin dosing include: o Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) < 40 ml/min or dialysis dependent o Endocarditis (once-daily doses less satisfactory than multiples in experimental models) Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 31 o o o o o Major burns Blindness (ototoxicity would be disastrous) Neonates Pregnancy (lack of data on teratogenicity) Prophylaxis Before initiating treatment: 1. Measure serum creatinine 2. Record the patient’s weight and serum creatinine in the medical notes 3. Record the actual infusion start time on the drug chart for each dose Dosage and administration: o 5mg/kg gentamicin IV as a once-daily dose rounded to the nearest 20mg o Use Corrected Body Weight (CBW) if the patient is >15% obese (see below) o If in doubt re calculation of dose, consult a Pharmacist o 400mg is the maximum once-daily dose o Administer as an intravenous infusion in 100ml sodium chloride 0.9% over 30 minutes at 14:00 hrs if possible to allow levels to be reported before subsequent doses. o Prescribe and sign for the first dose only on the ‘once only’ section of the drug chart. o If further doses are required, continue to prescribe and sign on the ‘once only’ section of the drug chart on a daily basis Monitoring of once-daily gentamicin dosing: 1. Monitor the gentamicin level and serum creatinine just before second dose. 2. For gentamicin monitoring, only a trough level (taken within one hour prior to the second dose) is required. Ensure the sample request form is labelled as a ‘pre-dose sample’ and that the time of the specimen is clearly recorded on it. 3. Sample Details: o 5ml blood in the appropriate vacuette o Label sample with Patient name, Hospital Number, Ward, Date o Mark form with “Once-daily gentamicin dosing” o Record date and actual time of sample o Record date and actual time of last dose (use the time the dose is completed) o Record the dose, clinical diagnosis and start date of gentamicin o Send to Microbiology Laboratory with fully completed Assay Request Form. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 32 Level interpretation: o If there is no evidence of renal impairment and the calculated CrCl is >60ml/min the second dose should be given before the level is reported o The trough level should be <1mg/L (The actual level reported should be recorded in the medical notes) o If recorded trough level is <1 mg/L, and gentamicin therapy is still indicated, the third dose may be prescribed and given when due. A further trough level must be taken before the fourth dose if therapy is to continue o If recorded trough level is >1 mg/L seek advice from Consultant or Pharmacy o If the calculated CrCl is <60ml/min do not give the second dose until the result of the trough level is known o If recorded trough level is <1 mg/L and gentamicin therapy is still indicated the second dose may be prescribed and given when due. A trough level must be taken and the result known before each subsequent dose if therapy is to continue o If recorded trough level for any subsequent dose is >1 mg/L seek advice from Consultant or Pharmacy before further administration. Useful Equations 1) Creatinine clearance: CrCl = F x (140 – age) x weight (kg) Serum creatinine (micromol/L) where F = 1.23 for males F = 1.04 for females Use patient’s actual weight unless s/he is >15% obese when the ‘corrected’ body weight should be used 2) Corrected Body Weight (CBW) (To be used if patient >15% obese*) CBW (kg) = Ideal Body Weight + (0.4 x Excess Body Weight) 3) Ideal Body Weight (IBW) IBW (male) (kg) = 50kg + (2.3 x every inch over 5ft) IBW (female) (kg) = 45.5kg + (2.3 x every inch over 5ft) 4) Excess Body Weight (EBW) EBW (kg) = ABW – IBW 5) Percentage Obesity = ABW – IBW x 100 Glossary Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 33 • Bioavailability - The percent of dose entering the systemic circulation after administration of a given dosage form and so is able to have an active effect. Please refer to latest BNF for further prescribing information. 34