Severe Sepsis - Unknown Focus
Drug details
Community-acquired infection:
IV amoxicillin 1g every 6 hours
PLUS IV gentamicin - refer to NHS Highland gentamicin dosing guidelines
PLUS IV metronidazole 500mg every 8 hours.
Duration - according to diagnosis.
If Staphylococcus aureus infection suspected:
ADD IV flucloxacillin 2g every 6 hours
Duration - according to diagnosis.
In penicillin allergy, severe renal impairment, acute kidney injury or hospital-acquired infection:
IV aztreonam 2g every 6 hours
PLUS IV vancomycin - refer to NHS Highland vancomycin dosing guidelines
PLUS IV metronidazole 500mg every 8 hours
Duration - according to diagnosis.
Seek microbiology advice. Review regime regularly in light of evolving clinical picture.
Review within 24 hours to confirm diagnosis, then follow appropriate infection specific recommendations
If sepsis has a cutaneous component or is arising from the skin, REFER TO SECTION ON NECROTISING FASCIITIS (under skin/soft tissue infections)