Meningitis
This is a medical emergency: Urgent hospital transfer (all cases)
• Give antibiotics where non-blanching rash & signs of meningism or sepsis, and if time permits. Do not delay transfer.
• Without non-blanching rash only give antibiotics if immediate hospital transfer is not possible
• Give antibiotics if transfer time is >1 hour
Adult: Benzylpenicillin 1.2g IV/IM
Child 10 - 17 years: Benzylpenicillin 1.2g IV/IM
Child 1 - 9 years: Benzylpenicillin 600mg IV/IM
Child <1 years: Benzylpenicillin 300mg IV/IM
Penicillin allergy (mild)
Adult: Cefotaxime 2g IV/IM or Ceftriaxone 2g IV/IM
Child: Cefotaxime IV/IM (dose: BNFc) or Ceftriaxone IV/IM (dose: BNFc)
Penicillin allergy (severe)
DO NOT give antibiotics outside of hospital if the person has severe antibiotic allergy to either ceftriaxone/cefotaxime or benzylpenicillin (NICE Guidance: Meningitis (bacterial) and meningococcal disease).