Warning

Acute cough bronchitis

CKS

NICE 69

Antibiotic little benefit if no co-morbidity.

Consider 7 day delayed antibiotic prescription with advice.

Symptom resolution can take 3 weeks.

Consider immediate antibiotics if >80yr and ONE of: hospitalisation in past year, oral steroids, diabetic, congestive heart failure OR >65yrs with 2 of above.

Consider CRP test if antibiotics being considered. 

No antibiotics if CRP less than 20mg/l and symptoms for more than 24 hours; delayed antibiotics if CRP 20 to 100mg/l; immediate antibiotics if CRP greater than 100mg/l.

For glossary of terms see Glossary.

Drug details

Amoxicillin 1g three times daily

5 days

OR Doxycycline 200mg stat then 100mg once daily

5 days

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 25/08/2022

Next review date: 25/08/2025

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team.

Version: 2

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Alison Macdonald, Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist.

Document Id: AMT155