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Empirical choice of antibiotic

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Consult expert advice and local guidance.

Community acquired:

  • skin and soft tissue - penicillin plus flucloxacillin
  • urinary tract - ampicillin + gentamicin or cephalosporin
  • pneumonia- penicillin plus erythromycin
  • biliary tract - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin
  • neutropenia - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin or ceftazidime
  • unknown source - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin with or without metronidazole

Hospital acquired:

  • skin and soft tissue - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin
  • urinary tract - ampicillin + gentamicin or cephalosporin
  • pneumonia - third generation cephalosporin
  • biliary tract - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin
  • neutropenia - anti-pseudomonas penicillin plus gentamicin or ceftazidime
  • unknown source - flucloxacillin plus gentamicin with or without metronidazole

The antibiotic treatments listed are suggestions. Please check local hospital and laboratory guidelines for definitive treatment guidance.

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