Diagnosis unclear, infection source likely respiratory or urinary-tract (hospital in-patients) (Antimicrobial)
TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
What's new / Latest updates
30/06/25:
- Amended title to specify for hospital in-patients
- Amended severe infection section to included link to severe sepsis, unknown focus guidance and removed duration time.
For glossary of terms see Glossary.
Drug details
Mild to moderate infection
See UTI and acute bronchitis/community-acquired pneumonia sections of guidance, choosing the first-line options for each infection. This will result in a combination of two or more antibiotics being prescribed.
Duration - refer to specific guidance
Review within 24 hours to confirm diagnosis, then follow appropriate infection specific recommendations
Severe infection
Treat as severe sepsis, unknown focus
Review within 24 hours to confirm diagnosis, then follow appropriate infection specific recommendations
If sepsis has a cutaneous component or is arising from the skin
Refer to necrotising fasciitis.
Review within 24 hours to confirm diagnosis, then follow appropriate infection specific recommendations