5: Infections
Please select a topic:
5.1 Antibacterial drugs
5.3 Antiviral drugs
5.2 Antifungal drugs
5.4 Antiprotozoal drugs
5.5 Anthelmintics
Please refer to Trust “Adult Antimicrobial Guidelines for
Secondary Care” available on Antimicrobial section of Med
Info Intranet site when using this formulary.
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Linezolid: restricted indication
Article date: August 2007
Summary
Linezolid is not active against infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, and treatment
should be started only after specialist microbiological advice. .
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON079101
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Systemic fusidic acid and interaction with statins: risk of rhabdomyolysis
Article date: September 2011
Summary
Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) should not be given with statins because of a risk of serious and
potentially fatal rhabdomyolysis. Healthcare professionals should be aware of strengthened
warnings regarding this potential drug interaction.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON128951
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Tigecycline: increased mortality in clinical trials - use only when other antibiotics are
unsuitable
Article date: April 2011
Summary
An analysis of pooled results from clinical trials of tigecycline (Tygacil▼) versus comparator
drugs in a range of infections has shown numerically higher mortality rates in patients receiving
tigecycline. Therefore, doctors are advised to use tigecycline only when other antibiotics are
unsuitable.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON111761
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 1 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Daptomycin: risk of eosinophilic pneumonia
Article date: February 2011
Summary
There have been rare but potentially serious reports of eosinophilic pneumonia associated with
daptomycin (Cubicin▼). If eosinophilic pneumonia is suspected, daptomycin should be
discontinued immediately and if appropriate the patient treated with corticosteroids. Daptomycin
should not be readministered to patients who have experienced eosinophilic pneumonia with this
drug.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON108678
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Moxifloxacin: use in pelvic inflammatory disease only when other antibacterials are
inappropriate or ineffective- use only when other antibiotics are unsuitable
Article date: January 2011
Summary
Because of evidence of an increased risk of life-threatening liver reactions and other serious risks
(such as QT interval prolongation), oral moxifloxacin (Avelox ▼, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic)
should be used only when it is considered inappropriate to use antibacterial agents that are
commonly recommended for the initial treatment of the infections below or when these have
failed.This restriction now applies to treatment of mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease
as well as treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and
community acquired pneumonia (except severe cases).Consideration should be given to official
guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON105760
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended
Article date: May 2010
Summary
A clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and valproic acid results in reduced
valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control. Concomitant use
of these agents is not recommended, and healthcare professionals should consider alternative
antibacterial therapy.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON085143
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 2 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Ceftriaxone: incompatibility with calcium containing solutions – updated advice
Article date: October 2009
Summary
Ceftriaxone should not be given simultaneously with calcium-containing solutions (other than
total parenteral nutrition solutions) for intravenous administration because of a risk of calcium
precipitation. Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in newborns up to age 28 days who need
intravenous treatment with any calcium-containing solution. Calcium and ceftriaxone may be
infused sequentially in patients aged 28 days or older provided that either a) the infusion line is
rinsed or flushed between solutions, or b) the infusions are given via different infusion lines at
different sites.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON087671
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Moxifloxacin: restricted use
Article date: August 2008
Summary
Oral moxifloxacin (Avelox ▼, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) is now restricted for use only when
other medicines cannot be prescribed, or have failed, for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis,
acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or community-acquired pneumonia. This restriction is
based on evidence of an increased risk of life-threatening liver reactions and other serious risks
associated with moxifloxacin.
Please prescribe oral moxifloxacin according to this updated information, while also considering
official guidance on appropriate use of antibiotics and prevalence of resistance.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON087781
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Nitrofurantoin: reminder on precautions for use, especially renal impairment in
(elderly) patients
Article date: August 2013
Summary
Use of nitrofurantoin for urinary tract infections is contraindicated in patients with <60 mL/min
creatinine clearance. Healthcare professionals should be aware of a patient’s current renal
function when prescribing, especially for elderly patients.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON3000402
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 3 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
MHRA Drug Safety Update
Oral ketoconazole: do not prescribe or use for fungal infections – risk of liver injury
outweighs benefits
Article date: August 2013
Summary
Doctors should no longer prescribe oral ketoconazole for fungal infections, and should review
patients’ treatment options because of a risk of liver injury. The European Medicines Agency’s
Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded that although liver injury
such as hepatitis is a known side effect of antifungal medicines, the incidence and the
seriousness are higher with oral ketoconazole than with other antifungals.
Link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON300403
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 4 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
5.1 Antibacterial drugs
Penicillins

Benzylpenicillin 600mg injection

Co-flumampicil 125/125 suspension

Co-flumampicil 250/250 injection

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg tablets

Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml syrup

Flucloxacillin 250mg, 500mg injection

Flucloxacillin 250mg, 500mg capsules

Flucloxacillin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml syrup

Amoxycillin 250mg, 500mg, 1g injection

Amoxycillin 250mg, 500mg capsules

Amoxycillin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml syrup

Amoxycillin 3g sachet

Co-amoxiclav 1.2g injection

Co-amoxiclav 250/125 tablets and 500/125 tablets

Co-amoxiclav 125/31, 250/62 suspension

Co-amoxiclav 400/57 (Augmentin Duo) suspension - Paediatric use in cystic fibrosis ONLY
Cephalosporins, cephamycins and other beta-lactams

Cefotaxime 1g injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Ceftazidime 500mg,1g, 2g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Cefuroxime 250mg and 750mg injection

Cefalexin 250mg, 500mg capsules

Cefalexin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml syrup

Ceftriaxone 250mg, 1g and 2g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Aztreonam 1g, 2g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Meropenem 500mg, 1g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Ertapenem 1g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 5 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
Tetracyclines

Tetracycline 250mg tablets

Demeclocycline 150mg capsules

Doxycycline 50mg, 100mg capsules, 100mg disp. tablets
Aminoglycosides

Gentamicin 20mg/2ml, 80mg/2ml injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Neomycin 500mg tablets
Macrolides

Erythromycin 250mg, 500mg tablets

Erythromycin 1g injection

Erythromycin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml syrup

Azithromycin 250mg capsules

Azithromycin 200mg/5ml suspension

Clarithromycin 500mg injection

Clarithromycin 250mg tablets

Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml suspension
Other antibiotics

Benzathine benzylpenicillin 1.8g (2.4 million unit) injection

Chloramphenicol 1g injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Chloramphenicol 250mg capsules– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Ciprofloxacin 200mg ,400mg injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Ciprofloxacin 250mg tablets– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Ciprofloxacin 250mg/5ml suspension– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Clindamycin 150mg capsules– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Clindamycin 600mg/4ml injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Clindamycin 75mg/5ml suspension– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Colistin 1 million unit per vial– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Co-trimoxazole 240mg/5ml and 480mg/5ml suspension

Co-trimoxazole 400/80 tablets

Co-trimoxazole 480mg/5ml injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 6 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013

Daptomycin 350mg and 500mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Fosfomycin 3g sachet – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Linezolid 100mg/5ml suspension– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Linezolid 600mg tablets– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Linezolid 600mg/300ml infusion– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Metronidazole 200mg, 400mg tablets

Metronidazole 200mg/5ml suspension

Metronidazole 500mg in 100ml infusion

Metronidazole 500mg, 1g suppositories

Moxifloxacin 400mg tablets– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml suspension

Nitrofurantoin 50mg, 100mg capsules

Nitrofurantoin 50mg,100mg tablets

Piperacillin 4g/Tazobactam 500mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Rifaximin 550mg tablets – for use in hepatic encephalopathy by consultant gastroenterologist only

Sodium fusidate 250mg tablets

Sodium fusidate 250mg/5ml suspension

Sodium fusidate 500mg intravenous infusion

Teicoplanin 200mg and 400mg injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Tigecycline 50mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Trimethoprim 200mg tablets

Trimethoprim 50mg/5ml suspension

Vancomycin 125mg capsules– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Vancomycin 500mg injection– ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology
Prescribing notes

The following advice from the Antimicrobial Management Committee can be found under of the Antimicrobials
section of the Trust Medicines Info Intranet site:

Adult Antimicrobial Guidelines for Secondary Care

Guidance No 1: IV to Oral Switch

Guidelines on Colomycin Administration by Nebuliser

Body Mass Index Ready Reckoner

Adult Once Daily Gentamicin Guidelines

Management of Patients with Fever and Neutropenia
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 7 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
Antituberculosis drugs

Ethambutol 100mg, 400mg tablets

Isoniazid 50mg, 100mg tablets

Isoniazid 50mg/5ml elixir

Pyrazinamide 500mg tablets

Rifampicin 150mg, 300mg capsules

Rifampicin 100mg/5ml syrup

Rifampicin 600mg injection

Rifinah 150 tablets (Rifampicin 150mg, isoniazid 100mg)

Rifinah 300 tablets (Rifampicin 300mg, isoniazid 150mg)

Rifater (Rifampicin 120mg, isoniazid 50mg, pyrazinamide 300mg)
Prescribing notes

Consult BNF for recommended treatment regimens and dosing from the Joint Tuberculosis Committee of the
British Thoracic Society guidelines for the treatment of tuberculosis in the UK.

Streptomycin should not be given in pregnancy.

Isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide are associated with liver toxicity so hepatic function should be checked
before treatment with these drugs. Further checks are only necessary if the patient develops fever, malaise,
vomiting, jaundice or unexplained deterioration during treatment.

Visual acuity should be tested before ethambutol is used The earliest features of ocular toxicity are subjective
and patients should be advised to discontinue therapy immediately if they develop deterioration in vision and
promptly seek further advice.

Renal function should be checked before treatment with antituberculous drugs and appropriate dosage
adjustments made. Streptomycin or ethambutol should preferably be avoided in patients with renal impairment,
but if used, the dose should be reduced and the plasma-drug concentration monitored.

Rifampicin induces hepatic enzymes which accelerate the metabolism of several drugs including oestrogens,
corticosteroids, phenytoin, sulphonylureas, and anticoagulants. (N.B. the effectiveness of hormonal
contraceptives is reduced and alternative family planning advice should be offered)

Monthly tablet counts and urine examination (rifampicin imparts an orange-red coloration) may be useful
indicators of compliance with treatment.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis should be treated by a specialist physician.
Antileprotic drugs

Dapsone 50mg tablets
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 8 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
5.2 Antifungal drugs

Anidulafungin 100mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Caspofungin 50mg and 70mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Fluconazole 50mg, 150mg, 200mg capsules

Fluconazole 200mg/100ml injection

Fluconazole 50mg/5ml suspension

Griseofulvin 125mg, 500mg tablets

Itraconazole 100mg capsules

Itraconazole 50mg/5ml SF liquid

Nystatin 100,000 units/ml suspension

Posaconazole 200mg/5ml suspension – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Terbinafine 250mg tablets

Voriconazole 200mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Voriconazole 200mg tablets – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Voriconazole 200mg/5ml suspension – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 9 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
5.3 Antiviral drugs

Aciclovir 200mg, 400mg tablets

Aciclovir 200mg/5ml suspension

Aciclovir 250mg, 500mg injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Palivizumab 50mg, 100mg injection

Oseltamivir 30mg, 45mg and 75mg capsules

Oseltamivir 30mg/5ml suspension

Boceprevir 200mg capsules

Telaprevir 375mg tablets

Ribavirin 200mg, 400mg tablets (Copegus®)

Peginterferon alfa-2a 135microgram/0.5ml, 180microgram/0.5ml injection (Pegasys®)
Prescribing notes – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Seek specialist advice from the Department Of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at
Newcastle General Hospital.

Antiretroviral therapy following an inoculation injury (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) if
indicated should be commenced if possible within 2 hours and at the latest 48 hours after
injury. In the event of an inoculation injury follow the Trust Policy and contact Occupational
Health Service.
Prescribing notes - Influenza

Annual vaccination is essential for all those in 'at-risk' groups.

For otherwise healthy adults the use of antivirals is not recommended.

Antiviral drugs may be prescribed for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza in 'at-risk'
groups when influenza A or influenza B is circulating in the community on the advice of the
Department of Health.
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 10 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
5.4 Antiprotozoal drugs

Tinidazole 500mg tablets Treatment of Giardiasis

Chloroquine 200mg tablets

Quinine dihydrochloride 300mg/ml injection – ALERT ANTIMICROBIAL – consult microbiology

Quinine sulphate 200mg, 300mg tablets
Prescribing notes
Treatment of malaria

Seek specialist advice from the Department Of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at
Newcastle General Hospital.

Quinine is very toxic in overdose in such cases immediate advice should be sought from UK
National Poisons Information Service.

IV administration of Quinine requires monitoring of blood glucose, electrolytes and ECG.
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 11 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013
5.5 Anthelmintics
Drugs for threadworms

Mebendazole 100mg tablets

Mebendazole 100mg/5ml suspension

Pripsen sachets
Prescribing notes
Threadworms

Anthelmintics should be used in combination with hygienic measures to break the cycle of
auto-infection. All members of the family should be treated.

One dose of mebendazole is usually sufficient for treatment of threadworms.

Mebendazole is not licensed for children under 2 years; piperazine salts are less effective but
licensed for this age group.

Mebendazole and piperazine are available over-the-counter.
Red = Hospital use only
Green = GP & Hospital use. Drugs not classified as Red, Amber or Green+ are classified as Green by default
Amber 1 = Drugs with shared care agreement
Green + = Initiated by Hospital specialist only
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Drug Formulary
Page 12 of 12
Date: 22.8.2013