CHILDREN - Empirical antibiotic therapy (Antimicrobial)

Warning
On 14th December 2022, Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group published more detailed advice on the Antibiotic Management of Group A Streptococcus infection in children aged 18 and under.  Link https://www.sapg.scot/guidance-qi-tools/current-projects/paediatric-stewardship/
A table of therapy recommendations is provided with an order of preference and includes alternative options if the first line choice is unavailable due to increased demand.  The duration of therapy has been clarified and there is a link to important safety netting advice for parents and carers.  The advice will be reviewed again in January 2023.

A guideline is intended to assist healthcare professionals in the choice of disease-specific treatments.

Clinical judgement should be exercised on the applicability of any guideline, influenced by individual patient characteristics. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential for harmful polypharmacy and increased susceptibility to adverse drug reactions in patients with multiple morbidities or frailty.

If, after discussion with the patient or carer, there are good reasons for not following a guideline, it is good practice to record these and communicate them to others involved in the care of the patient.

Note the recent publication by Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) on antibiotic prescribing guidance for Clostridiodes difficile infection in children along with a decision tool. These links have been added to the CDI section in TAM.

Empirical antibiotic therapy in children

See NHS Highland guidance on Empirical antibiotic therapy in children.

Using solid oral dosage forms in children

See Specialist Pharmacy Services for advice on using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children.

Links to relevant guidance

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 03/03/2022

Next review date: 03/03/2025

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team.

Approved By: Antimicrobial Utilisation Committee

Reviewer name(s): Consultant Physician.

Document Id: AMT104