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  6. Empiric infection management, Primary Care, Paediatric (227)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Empiric infection management, Primary Care, Paediatric (227)

Principles of Treatment:

  1. This guidance is based on the best available evidence but its application may be modified by professional judgement.
  2. Where a ‘best guess’ therapy has failed or special circumstances exist, microbiological advice can be obtained via the Microbiology Department at your local hospital, the Infectious Diseases service, or the Paediatric Antimicrobial Pharmacist at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
  3. Prescribe an antibiotic only when there is likely to be a clear clinical benefit.
  4. Do NOT prescribe an antibiotic for viral sore throat, non-productive coughs or cold,
  5. Use simple, narrow-spectrum, generic antibiotics whenever possible
  6. Prolonged antibiotic therapy also increases risk of adverse events.
  7. Avoid widespread use of topical antibiotics (especially those agents also available as systemic preparations)
  8. Refer to BNF for Children for dosing advice.

*Clarithromycin and Azithromycin are known to have serious drug interactions and may prolong the QTc interval. Avoid in patients with other risk factors for QTc prolongation. See BNF (appendix 1).

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 03/12/2024

Next review date: 12/05/2027

Author(s): Shahad Abbas, Advanced Pharmacist - Antimicrobials and Medical Paediatrics RHC.

Version: 6

Approved By: Antimicrobial Utilisation Committee

Document Id: 227