Important: Therapy
Co-amoxiclav 1.2g IV 8 hourly
AND
Clarithromycin 500mg PO/IV 12 hourly
If there is a previous history of MRSA - add Linezolid 600mg PO 12 hourly
test announcement
Co-amoxiclav 1.2g IV 8 hourly
AND
Clarithromycin 500mg PO/IV 12 hourly
If there is a previous history of MRSA - add Linezolid 600mg PO 12 hourly
Levofloxacin 500mg PO 12 hourly (consider safety issues)
If there is a previous history of MRSA - add Linezolid 600mg PO 12 hourly
Levofloxacin is highly bioavailable so IV should only be used if oral route is compromised and/or concerns with GI absorption.
If levofloxacin is not preferable e.g. seizure history, QT prolongation:
IV Vancomycin AND IV Gentamicin AND PO Clarithromycin 500mg PO 12 hourly
Send sputum and blood cultures.
Review travel history and animal (especially birds) exposure and consider investigation for atypical pathogens.
Treatment duration - 5 days (may require longer guided by clinical response, severity of infection, pathogen isolated)