Table 1. Parenteral Antimicrobial Treatment of Common Microorganisms
Microorganism First choice
a
Staphylococci,
oxacillin-susceptible
• Nafcillin
b
sodium or oxacillin
1.5-2 g IV q4-6h or continuous infusion OR
• Cefazolin 1-2 g IV q8h OR
• Ceftriaxone 2 gram IV q24h
Staphylococci,
oxacillin- resistant
• Vancomycin IV 15-20 mg/kg q12h consider loading
dose, monitor serum levels)
Enterococcus sp,
penicillin- susceptible
• Penicillin G 20-24 million units IV q24h continuously
or in 6 divided doses OR
• Ampicillin sodium 12 g IV q24h continuously or in 6
divided doses
Enterococcus sp,
penicillin- resistant
e
• Vancomycin IV 15-20 mg/kg q12h consider loading
dose, monitor serum levels)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Cefepime 2 g IV q8-12h OR
• Meropenem 1 g IV q8h OR
• Doripenem 500 mg IV q8h
Enterobacteriaceae • Cefepime 2 g IV q12h OR
• Ertapenem 1 g IV q24h
β-hemolytic streptococci • Penicillin G 20-24 million units IV q24h continuously
or in 6 divided doses OR
• Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q24h
Propionibacterium acnes • Penicillin G 20 million units IV q24h continuously or
in 6 divided doses OR
• Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q24h
Salmonella sp. • Ciprofloxacin PO 500 mg q12h or IV 400 mg q12h
a
Antimicrobial dosage needs to be adjusted based on patients' renal and hepatic function. Antimicrobials should
interactions or contraindications to a specific antimicrobial.
b
Flucloxacillin may be used in Europe.
c
Vancomycin should be restricted to patients with type I or documented delayed allerg y to beta lactams.
d
Recommend IDSA guidelines for monitoring of antimicrobial toxicity and levels.
e
For vancomycin resistant enterococci, daptomycin, linezolid or synercid may be used.
Treatment
