Warning
For further information and advice regarding penicillin allergy, dosing, important interactions/adverse effects/safety considerations and antimicrobial stewardship please refer to the USER GUIDE.

 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).

 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/07/2024

Next review date: 31/07/2027

Version: V1.0

Approved By: AMT (23.07.24) and ADTC (31.07.24)

Reviewer name(s): Jon van Aartsen (consultant microbiologist), Claire Mitchell (pharmacist).