Page 239 - HPP ANTIMICROBIAL GUIDELINE 2018

Infection/Condition Suggested Treatment Comments
Preferred Alternative

Early onset sepsis (<48 hrs) Suspect in maternal chorioamnionitis, sepsis, PROM (>18 hours)
Sepsis / pneumonia /
meningitis) Do full septic workup, CXR
GBS, GNB
In babies given antibiotics because of risk factors for infection or clinical indicators of possible infection, review need for
continued antibiotics at 36 hours with culture results

No evidence from randomised trials to suggest that any antibiotic regimen may be better than any other in the treatment
of presumed early neonatal sepsis

Tailor according to culture results

Drug Dosages – Refer Frank Shann or Neofax

Penicillin G IV Duration:
Sepsis: 7-10 days
OR
Ampicillin IV Gram positive meningitis: 2 weeks

PLUS Gram negative meningitis: 3 weeks
Gentamycin IV

For meningitis Ampicillin IV
Pathogen unknown
PLUS
Cefotaxime IV

HPP AMG Neonatal Infections 114