133FM.17.

1 MANAGEMENT AND ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR RESPIRATORY TRACT

CONDITIONS IN ADULTS

See Appendix 1 for the Community Acquired Pneumonia Integrated Care Pathway

1. Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) .................................................................................. 2

2. Hospital Acquired Respiratory Infection ................................................................................... 4
3. Aspiration Pneumonia .............................................................................................................. 6
4. Asthma .................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Infective Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ............................. 6
6. Bronchiectasis ......................................................................................................................... 7
7. Empyema ................................................................................................................................ 9
8. Lung abscess......................................................................................................................... 10
9. Pneumocystis Carinii (Jiroveci) Pneumonia (formerly known as PCP) ................................... 10
10. Acute Epiglottitis .................................................................................................................... 11
11. Suspected Diphtheria............................................................................................................. 11
12. References ............................................................................................................................ 11
Appendix 1: Community Acquired Pneumonia Integrated Care Pathway ..................................... 13

The dose of most antibiotics will depend on the patient’s size, renal and hepatic function and
underlying condition and may require adjustment accordingly. (Refer to BNF for further guidance.)
Intravenous (IV) antibiotics should ONLY be used where disease severity demands urgent
action or where oral therapy cannot be taken.
In all conditions described below (excluding epiglottitis), a switch from IV to oral therapy should
be considered as soon as the clinical response allows, and the temperature has been
normal for 24 hours.
The indication for antibiotics should be clearly documented in the medical notes and on the drug
chart.
If there is good clinical reason for deviation from Trust guidelines (previous microbiology
and antibiotic history) please state rationale clearly inpatient notes.
If a specific pathogen is identified the spectrum of antibiotic therapy may be narrowed.
Whenever possible, stop or review dates should be specified for antibiotic prescriptions.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 1 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

1. Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Assessment
Definition: Symptoms of acute lower respiratory tract illness (cough and at least one other
lower respiratory tract symptom) PLUS
new focal chest signs on examination PLUS
at least one systemic feature (pyrexia, rigors, chest pain) PLUS
new radiographic shadowing consistent with lung infection
All patients admitted to hospital with suspected CAP must have a chest X-ray (CXR) performed as
soon as possible. The CXR should be done in time for antibiotics to be started within 4 hours of
admission.
A severity assessment should be carried out using clinical judgement supported by the CURB-65
score:
Confusion (Mental Test Score ≤8 or new disorientation in person, time and place)
Urea >7 mmol/l
Respiratory rate ≥30/min
Blood pressure (systolic <90 mmHg or diastolic <60 mmHg)
Age >65 years
The following general investigations should be performed:
Oxygen saturation/arterial blood gas
Full blood count (FBC)/urea and electrolytes (U&Es)/liver function tests (LFTs)/C-reactive
protein (CRP)
If initial CRP is <20, do not give antibiotics unless patient immunocompromised/fulfils high risk
sepsis criteria. Re-check CRP if patient concerns.
The following microbiological investigations should be performed:
Blood cultures
Sputum – in all patients when productive, as early in the admission as possible
Urine for pneumococcal and legionella antigen – in those with moderate/high severity CAP
(CURB-65 score ≥2)
Please note that in order for the urinary antigens to be processed it must state on the
request form that there is consolidation on the CXR, and the CURB score must be noted.
See Guideline 135 – Appropriate Requesting of Legionella and Pneumococcal Antigen Testing in
Urine Samples.

Antibiotic Regimens for community acquired pneumonia (with CXR changes):

If patient has already received treatment, use alternative agent within same clinical category or
escalate to next severity level, do not automatically choose the high severity antibiotic unless the
severity of the patient merits it.
High risk/red flag sepsis – clear evidence of respiratory source
 CXR changes or clear signs/symptoms of respiratory infection, NB. tachypnoea is not specific
for respiratory infection; treat according to CAP CURB 3 – 5.
 If no clear evidence of chest source refer to guidelines for infection of unknown source.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 2 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

 Low severity Moderate severity High severity
CURB-65 = 0 – 1 CURB-65 = 2 CURB-65 = 3 or more
<3% mortality 9% mortality 15 - 40% mortality
Consider treating at home NB. Patient must be NB. Patient must be
Notes if social circumstances reviewed by a reviewed by a registrar
appropriate and otherwise consultant within 12 within 4 hours and by a
well. hours. consultant within 12 hours.
Amoxicillin 500 mg Amoxicillin 500 mg Benzylpenicillin 1.2 g
8 hourly PO 8 hourly PO 6 hourly IV plus
clarithromycin 500 mg
If IV treatment necessary, If IV treatment 12 hourly PO/IV1,4
benzylpenicillin necessary,
First line 1.2 g 6 hourly IV After 48 hours review and
treatment benzylpenicillin
1.2 g 6 hourly IV consider step down to
plus amoxicillin 1 g 8 hourly PO
clarithromycin 500 mg plus
12 hourly PO/IV1 clarithromycin 500 mg
12 hourly PO/IV1
Clarithromycin 500 mg 12 Doxycycline 200 mg Vancomycin IV3 (see
hourly PO/IV1 loading then 100 mg Guideline 241)
or 24 hourly PO plus
or clarithromycin 500 mg
doxycycline 200 mg
Alternative 12 hourly PO/IV1,4
loading then 100 mg moxifloxacin 400 mg
including type 1 24 hourly PO 24 hourly PO1,2 At 48 hours review and
penicillin (avoid if >80 years. consider oral step down to
hypersensitivity Only use if other agents
doxycycline or
unsuitable or if Moxifloxacin2,5 (Avoid if >80
treatment failure5) years. Only use if other
agents unsuitable or if
treatment failure.5)
6 6
5 - 7 days 5 - 7 days 5 - 7 days6
Minimum of 5 days - treatment should be discontinued if patient has temperature
<37.8°C for 48 hours and does not meet more than one of the following criteria:
Total duration  Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg
 Heart rate >100 beats per minute
 Respiratory rate >24 per minute
 Arterial oxygen saturation <90%, or PaO2 <60 mmHg on room air
1
Bioavailability of oral clarithromycin and moxifloxacin is good and IV administration should only be
considered in patients unable to take orally.
2
Moxifloxacin should be restricted to cases where other agents cannot be prescribed or have failed.
Increased risks of adverse hepatic reactions associated with oral moxifloxacin have been reported.
3
Following loading dose, ongoing vancomycin regimen dependent on patient’s creatinine clearance. See
Guideline 241 – Intravenous Vancomycin for Adults.
4
Consider replacing clarithromycin with ciprofloxacin for those with high severity pneumonia not responding
to first line therapy.
5
For patient safety alert information see
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c9364c6e5274a48edb9a9fa/FQ-patient-sheet-final.pdf
6
Consider longer duration if Gram negative, staphylococcal or legionella pneumonia (14 - 21 days).
The possibility of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-producing Staph. aureus pneumonia should
be considered if a relatively young patient presents with high severity pneumonia ± lung cavitation
± multi-organ failure.
Contact the Microbiologists for advice and see Guideline 698 – Management and Control of
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) associated Staphylococcal Infections.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 3 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

 Vaccination advice
All patients aged >65 years or at risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (as defined in ‘Green
Book’) who are admitted with CAP and who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccine
should be advised to have the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at convalescence
via their GP. This recommendation should be included on any discharge summary. The same
applies for recommending influenza vaccine – these patients should be offered immunisation
during the time of the influenza season.

2. Hospital Acquired Respiratory Infection

This is a heterogeneous group. Tachypnoea alone is not specific for respiratory infection.
Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) is defined as for CAP (i.e. requires CXR changes) but
developing:
 5 days or more after hospital admission.
 Within 5 days of discharge where patient has been hospitalised for >24 hours.
For nursing home acquired pneumonia – treat according to CAP guidelines (section 1).
Some patients will have history and examination findings suggestive of respiratory infection but
without being septic or having CXR changes. Antibiotic guidance for both groups is provided
below.
Potential pathogens are more varied and sensitivities less predictable.
Organisms common in community acquired pneumonia such as S. pneumoniae may also cause
hospital acquired infections, but Gram-negative bacilli such as Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas
spp. are also important. Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) may also need to be
considered especially in those already known to be colonised.
Inpatient for minimum of 5 days or within 5 days of discharge where
patient has been hospitalised for >24 hours

Yes

Presence of at least two of the following:

 Pyrexia
 WBC
 Purulent secretions
 O2 requirement

CXR

No consolidation New infiltrates

Re-assess and consider alternative diagnosis Send blood cultures and sputum to Microbiology

If respiratory infection remains likely but patient does not Treat according to table b) below
meet SIRS criteria and there are no new CXR changes,
treat according to table a) below

Guideline 133FM.17.1 4 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

 First line treatment Second line treatment or Comment
type 1 penicillin
hypersensitivity
If patient has already received treatment, consider either using alternative agent within same
clinical category or escalating to next severity level.
a) Hospital acquired respiratory deterioration likely to be infective: Not septic, no CXR
changes
Amoxicillin 500 mg 8 hourly PO Doxycycline 200 mg loading Consider alternative causes.
then 100 mg Review after 48 hours.
24 hourly PO Avoid antibiotics unless felt
by senior (SpR/consultant)
that infection most likely
cause.

b) Hospital acquired pneumonia (with CXR changes)

Temocillin (kept in fridge) 2 g Ciprofloxacin 500 - 750 mg Send sputum cultures and
12 hourly IV 12 hourly PO review microbiology history.
(provided Pseudomonas not an (400 mg 12 hourly IV if
expected pathogen) unable to take orally) Discuss with Microbiology
if Pseudomonas sp. or
plus doxycycline 200 mg stat then plus clarithromycin 500 mg extended spectrum beta
100 mg 24 hourly PO 12 hourly PO/IV lactamase (ESBL)/Amp C
producing organisms are
After 48 hours review and consider For this combination, refer suspected
step down to co-amoxiclav to MHRA alert for
625 mg 8 hourly PO quinolones - see patient
(avoid if >80 years) safety information link
below
or

Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g IV
8 hourly if Pseudomonas
suspected (previous colonisation
of Pseudomonas, cystic fibrosis or
bronchiectasis)

Total duration: 7 days.

For quinolone patient safety alert information see
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c9364c6e5274a48edb9a9fa/FQ-patient-sheet-
final.pdf

 If MRSA infection is suspected or patient is known to be MRSA positive, contact Microbiology.

 Clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin have good oral bioavailability, so IV should only be prescribed
if unable to take oral medication.
 Review antibiotics in line with microbiology results and clinical progress.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 5 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

3. Aspiration Pneumonia
 Do NOT give antibiotics automatically for acute aspiration event, as this may be chemical
pneumonitis
 Send sputum for culture
 Stop if no evidence of consolidation on CXR

First line treatment Second line treatment or type 1 penicillin

hypersensitivity
Amoxicillin 1 g 8 hourly IV Clarithromycin 500 mg 12 hourly IV
plus plus
Metronidazole 500 mg 8 hourly IV Metronidazole 500 mg 8 hourly IV
+/- +/-
Gentamicin IV 7 mg/kg (or 3 mg/kg if risk Gentamicin IV 7 mg/kg (or 3 mg/kg if risk
of/known renal impairment)* (max. 560 mg) IV of/known renal impairment)* (max. 560 mg) IV
extended interval dosing if Pseudomonas extended interval dosing if Pseudomonas
suspected (previous colonisation of suspected (previous colonisation of
Pseudomonas, cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis) Pseudomonas, cystic fibrosis or
(see Guideline 48 Gentamicin in Adult) bronchiectasis)
(see Guideline 48 Gentamicin in Adult)

Length of treatment is usually 5 - 7 days.

A potential switch to oral therapy will be dependent on clinical progress especially oral intake
issues.

4. Asthma
Antibiotic therapy is not necessary unless there is good evidence of concurrent infection, when
antibiotic selection should follow the guidelines for exacerbation of COPD.

5. Infective Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A large proportion of exacerbations of COPD are due to viral infections which do not require
antibiotic therapy.
However, if an increased volume of purulent sputum is present, bacterial pathogens such as S.
pneumoniae, H. influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis need to be considered.
Antibiotic choice depends on any recent treatment in the community, within the last month and the
most recent sputum culture and susceptibility results.
Select treatment from the following:
Alternative regimens or type 1 penicillin
First line treatment
hypersensitivity
Amoxicillin 500 mg 8 hourly PO Clarithromycin 500 mg 12 hourly PO/IV (only
(IV only if nil by mouth) if nil by mouth)
or use alternative regimen or
Doxycycline 200 mg stat then 100 mg 24
hourly PO
Total duration: 5 days.
Advice to patient: Symptoms may not be fully resolved by completion of antibiotic course.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 6 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

6. Bronchiectasis
Persistent or progressive condition characterised by irreversibly damaged and dilated thick-walled
bronchi. The underlying pathological process results from an event or series of events where
severe inflammation leads to damage of the airways.
The presence of mucopurulent or purulent sputum alone or the isolation of a pathogen alone is not
necessarily an indication for antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotic therapy is appropriate for:
a) Treatment of acute exacerbations that present with an acute deterioration with
worsening symptoms and/or systemic upset.
b) Long term prophylaxis/suppression of infection in patients with frequent exacerbations.
Always send sputum before starting antibiotics. Regimens should then be reviewed in the light
of microbiology results. If patient unable to produce sputum before starting antibiotics then
previous sputum results should be taken into consideration, especially where pseudomonas or
resistant organisms have been grown in the past.
Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT)
A few patients may be suitable for home IV antibiotic therapy depending on the individual’s social
circumstances, comorbidities and microbiology. Potential cases may be discussed with the
consultant microbiologists (SMH ext. 5322) first, then when approved, with the home IV team
(telephone 01296 315485).
See Guideline 67 Established Bronchiectasis Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)
Pathway.
If patient has already received treatment, consider either using alternative agent within
same clinical category or escalating to next severity level.
a) Acute exacerbations
i) Mild/moderate infection
Alternative regimens or type 1 penicillin
First line treatment
hypersensitivity
If first presentation or antibiotics not previously Clarithromycin 500 mg 12 hourly PO/IV
been used or
Amoxicillin 500 mg 8 hourly PO Doxycycline 200 mg stat then 100 mg 24 hourly
PO
For patients who have had repeated courses of
antibiotic for this episode and in the absence of
current susceptibility results consider:
Co-amoxiclav 625 mg 8 hourly PO or 1.2 g
8 hourly IV (avoid if >80 years)
N.B. Ciprofloxacin 500 – 750 mg 12 hourly PO may need to be considered if Pseudomonas sp. has
been isolated from previous sputum samples. Refer to MHRA patient safety alert for quinolones.
For patient safety alert information see:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c9364c6e5274a48edb9a9fa/FQ-patient-sheet-
final.pdf
Length of treatment is usually 7 - 14 days.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 7 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

 ii) Severe infection
Second line treatment Third line treatment options
or type 1 penicillin when culture and sensitivity
First line treatment
hypersensitivity results available/
microbiology recommended
Co-amoxiclav 1.2 g 8 hourly IV (avoid if Ciprofloxacin 750 mg Avoid if type 1 penicillin
>80 years) 12 hourly PO hypersensitivity
(400 mg 12 hourly IV if
Ceftazidime† 2 g 8 - 12 hourly IV
Or unable to take orally)
plus
Gentamicin 7 mg/kg (or 3 mg/kg
Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g IV 8 hourly if Refer to MHRA alert
if risk of/known renal
Pseudomonas spp. suspected. for quinolones - see
impairment)* (max. 560 mg) IV
Dose can be increased if necessary to 4.5 g patient safety
extended interval dosing
IV 6 hourly. information link below
(see Gentamicin in Adults –
High-dose oral regimens Guideline 48)
(e.g. amoxicillin 1 g 8 hourly or amoxicillin Meropenem should be reserved
3 g 12 hourly) may be needed in patients for organisms resistant to other
with severe bronchiectasis chronically antibiotics
colonised with H. influenzae
Meropenem 1 - 2 g 8 hourly IV
Length of treatment is usually 14 days.
For quinolone patient safety alert information see:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c9364c6e5274a48edb9a9fa/FQ-patient-sheet-final.pdf

*In obese patients (BMI >30), use adjusted body weight to calculate gentamicin dose (max. 560 mg).
†
Single agent treatment with ceftazidime (12 hourly regimen) may be suitable for OPAT therapy.

b) Long term antibiotic therapy (unlicensed)

This may be considered in patients having ≥3 acute exacerbations per year requiring antibiotic
treatment or patients with fewer exacerbations but causing severe morbidity. When considering
antibiotic prophylaxis, discuss the possible benefits (reduce exacerbations), harms (increased
antimicrobial resistance, adverse effects and interactions with other medicines) and the need for
regular review.
The choice of long-term therapy should be based on sputum microbiology results when clinically
stable. The long-term use of quinolone antibiotics, e.g. ciprofloxacin, is not advised.
Potentially suitable regimens include:
Amoxicillin 500 mg 12 hourly PO
Or clarithromycin 250 mg 12 hourly PO
Or doxycycline 100 mg 24 hourly PO
If no improvement with amoxicillin or doxycycline consider:
Azithromycin 500 mg 24 hourly PO for 6 days, then 250 mg 24 hourly PO for 6 days, then 250 mg
3 times weekly PO.
Azithromycin may be particularly suitable for patients with chronic P. aeruginosa colonisation as it
has been shown to have significant immuno-modulatory effects leading to reduced exacerbations,
improved spirometry and sputum microbiology. See Guideline 97FM Azithromycin for use in Non-
CF Bronchiectasis.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed before starting azithromycin or clarithromycin
and then repeated one month after initiation to monitor for QT prolongation. An ECG should be
repeated annually whilst on treatment.
Liver function should be checked one month after commencing continuous azithromycin and then
at annual review.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 8 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

Patients should also be counselled regarding the risk of hearing loss/tinnitus when on long term
therapy; audiometry should be checked at baseline and yearly thereafter for the duration of the
treatment.
Alternatively some bronchiectatic individuals chronically colonised with P. aeruginosa may benefit
from nebulised antibiotic therapy, e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin or colistin.
For further details on nebulised drugs, see Guideline 669 – Nebulised Drugs for use in Adults in
Hospital.

7. Empyema
This is defined as pus in the pleural space.
 Send sputum sample, ideally before starting therapy
 Refer urgently to respiratory team
 Drain fluid and send fluid sample for culture, if possible before starting therapy.
 If infection is suspected but culture is negative, treat empirically, otherwise, treat according to
culture and sensitivities
 Antibiotics alone cannot resolve the infection: Drainage or other surgical intervention is
required for cure
a) Onset <5 days of admission
Alternative regimens or type 1 penicillin
First line treatment
hypersensitivity
Co-amoxiclav 1.2 g 8 hourly IV Clindamycin 600 mg 6 hourly IV/PO
or
Ceftriaxone 2 g 24 hourly IV Discuss with microbiology consultant if patient
If pus putrid, add metronidazole 500 mg 8 aged >80 years
hourly IV

Discuss with microbiology consultant if

patient aged >80 years
Duration: Review with MC&S or at 14 days if empirical treatment.
Optimal duration not known but usually 3 - 6 week total duration.

b) Onset >5 days of admission, with new evidence of consolidation or despite previous antibiotic
treatment.
NB – ensure infection flags (e.g. MRSA, ESBL/Amp C) are checked for patient and discuss
choice with microbiology consultant if present.

First line treatment Alternative regimens or type 1 penicillin

hypersensitivity
Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g IV 8 hourly Clindamycin 600 mg 6 hourly IV/PO plus
Metronidazole 500 mg 8 hourly IV

Discuss with microbiology consultant if patient

aged >80 years
Duration: Review with MC&S or at 14 days if empirical treatment.
Optimal duration not known but usually 3 - 6 week total duration.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 9 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

8. Lung abscess
 A lung abscess is typically diagnosed when a CXR reveals a pulmonary infiltrate with a cavity;
an air-fluid level is frequently present.
 Lung abscesses are usually polymicrobial infections, the pathogens usually reflecting the
predominantly anaerobic flora of the gingival crevices.
 In the immunocompromised host, however, the most common causes of lung abscess are
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other aerobic gram-negative bacteria, Nocardia spp, and fungi,
e.g. Aspergillus sp.

Treatment (this is almost always empirical):

First line treatment Alternative regimen for type 1 penicillin
hypersensitivity
Co-amoxiclav 1.2 g 8 hourly IV Clindamycin 600 mg 6 hourly IV/PO
plus
Discuss with microbiology consultant if Metronidazole 500 mg 8 hourly IV
patient aged >80 years
Discuss with microbiology consultant if patient
aged >80 years
Duration:
Antibiotics should be continued until the CXR shows a small, stable residual lesion or is
clear. This usually requires several months of treatment, most of which can be
accomplished with an oral regimen on an outpatient basis.
Surgical intervention is rarely required.
Predictors of a slow response are abscesses associated with an obstructed bronchus, an
extremely large abscess (>6 cm in diameter) and abscesses involving relatively resistant
organisms.

9. Pneumocystis Carinii (Jiroveci) Pneumonia (formerly known as PCP)

a) Treatment:
 An opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients (including HIV)
 Start treatment on suspicion of PCP and refer for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
 Check glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase (G6PD) level when diagnosis is made. Use
dapsone and primaquine with caution in G6PD deficiency.
First line treatment Alternative regimen
Mild-Moderate PCP (PaO2 >9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), room air and at rest)
Co-trimoxazole PO 90 mg/kg/day in 3 - 4 Trimethoprim PO 20 mg/kg/day in 2 - 3
divided doses divided doses plus dapsone PO 100 mg 24
hourly
or
Atovaquone liquid 750 mg 12 hourly

Moderate to Severe PCP (PaO2 <9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), room air and at rest)
 Start corticosteroid therapy within 72 hours of commencing PCP treatment
 Days 1 - 5: prednisolone 40 mg 12 hourly PO; days 6 - 10 prednisolone 40 mg 24
hourly PO; days 11 - 21 prednisolone 20 mg 24 hourly PO

Co-trimoxazole IV 120 mg/kg/day in 2 - 4 Clindamycin IV/PO 600 mg 6 hourly plus

divided doses primaquine PO 30 mg 24 hourly
or
NB may dose reduce to 90 mg/kg/day after Pentamidine 4 mg/kg 24 hourly IV
72 hours
Duration: Review IV antimicrobials at 72 hours and switch to oral according to response.
Treat for a total of 14 - 21 days.

Guideline 133FM.17.1 10 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

b) Prophylaxis
Co-trimoxazole 480 mg 24 hourly PO (or 960 mg three times a week)
Alternative prophylactic options include:
 Dapsone PO 50 – 100 mg 24 hourly - no toxoplasmosis coverage
 Pentamidine IV 4 mg/kg administered monthly
 Pentamidine nebs 300 mg inhaled monthly
 Atovaquone liquid 750 mg 12 hourly (take with high fat meals for optimal absorption; no
toxoplasmosis coverage)
Duration: Liaise with HIV or haematology team, but in general, continue until patient
immunocompetent (e.g. CD4 count >200 or risk factors resolved, e.g. post-immunosuppression).

10. Acute Epiglottitis

Although rare, this is a serious condition requiring urgent treatment. The most likely causative
pathogens are H. influenzae or haemolytic streptococci.
Treatment of choice is ceftriaxone* 2 g 24 hourly IV for 7 - 10 days.
*NB. Ceftriaxone must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions (e.g. Hartmann’s or Ringer’s
solution) and must not be given at the same time as any calcium containing solutions, even via
separate infusion lines. This is due to the potential risk of calcium-ceftriaxone precipitation in vital
organs.

11. Suspected Diphtheria

For any suspected case of diphtheria, contact the consultant microbiologist immediately for advice
on appropriate investigations and management.

12. References
1. NICE CG 191. Pneumonia – Diagnosis and Management of Community and Hospital
Acquired Pneumonia in Adults. December 2014.
2. British Thoracic Society. Guidelines for the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia
in Adults – Update 2009.
3. File TM. Recommendations for Treatment of Hospital Acquired and Ventilator Associated
Pneumonia: Review of recent international guidelines. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2010; 51
(S1): S42-S47.
4. British Thoracic Society. Guidelines for non-CF Bronchiectasis – July 2010.
5. NICE NG117. Bronchiectasis (Acute Exacerbation) : Antimicrobial Prescribing. December
2018.
6. Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust. Antimicrobial Prescribing Guide.
7. Altenburg J. et al. Effect of azithromycin maintenance treatment on infectious exacerbations
among patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: the BAT randomized controlled trial.
JAMA 2013; 309.
8. Wong et al. Azithromycin for prevention of exacerbations in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
(EMBRACE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet, 2012; 380; 660-667.
9. Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al; Infectious Diseases Society of America;
American Thoracic Society. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic
Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in
adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44(suppl 2):S27-S72.
http://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(14)61403-
8/fulltext#cesec210
10. Uranga A, España PP, Bilbao A, et al. Duration of antibiotic treatment in community-acquired
pneumonia: a multicenter randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med2016; 358:1257-65.
doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.3633. pmid:27455166.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2536189

Guideline 133FM.17.1 11 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

11. IDSA Guideline. Management of Adults with Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated
Pneumonia: 2016. CID 2016:63
12. British Thoracic Society. Pleural Disease Guideline 2010.
13. Maruyama T, Niederman MS, Kobayashi T, et al. A prospective comparison of nursing home-
acquired pneumonia with hospital-acquired pneumonia in non- intubated elderly. Respir Med
2008; 102:1287–95.
14. NICE NG114. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Acute exacerbation:
Antimicrobial Prescribing. December 2018
15. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (-
oxacins): what you need to know about side effects of tendons, muscles, joints and nerves.
16. For patient safety alert information see:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c9364c6e5274a48edb9a9fa/FQ-patient-sheet-
final.pdf, March 2019, accessed 24th April 2019

See also:
Guideline 48 Gentamicin in Adults*
Guideline 59A Urgent Care Sepsis Screening and Action Tool*
Guideline 59B Urgent Care Maternal Sepsis Tool*
Guideline 59C Inpatient Sepsis Screening and Action Tool*
Guideline 67 Established Bronchiectasis Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)
Pathway*
Guideline 97FM Azithromycin for use in Non-CF Bronchiectasis
Guideline 135 Appropriate requesting of Legionella and Pneumococcal Antigen Testing in Urine
Samples*
Guideline 211 Diagnosis and Management of Pneumonia in High Cervical Cord Injury Patients*
Guideline 222 Adult and Paediatric Injectables Guide*
Guideline 241 Intravenous Vancomycin for Adults*
Guideline 302 Use of Antivirals during Seasonal Influenza – Treatment and Prophylaxis – Adults
and Children*
Guideline 669 Nebulised Drugs for use in Adults in Hospital*
Guideline 698 Management and Control of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) associated
Staphylococcal Infections*
Guideline 709 Seasonal Influenza Adult Hospital Pathways*
BHT Pol 182 Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)/Home Intravenous (IV)
Service Policy*
* BHT users only

Title of Guideline Management and Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Respiratory Tract

Conditions in Adults
Guideline Number 133FM
Version 17.1
Effective Date October 2019
Review Date October 2022
Amended December 2019
Approvals:
th
Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee Chair’s Action 16 May 2019
th
Clinical Guidelines Subgroup 4 October 2019
Author/s Consultant Microbiologists, Dr Shahidi, Consultant,
Respiratory Medicine, Trust Antimicrobial Pharmacist
SDU(s)/Department(s) responsible for Microbiology, Respiratory Medicine
updating the guideline
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Uploaded to Intranet 10 October and 17 December 2019
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Guideline 133FM.17.1 12 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed

Appendix 1

Guideline 133FM.17.1 13 of 13 Uncontrolled if printed