These guidelines apply only to Wards 116 and 118 at RIE, Ward 20 at WGH and ITU at SJH. They should not be used in any other area of NHS Lothian.

Recommended total duration: dependent on ability to remove line, and results of blood cultures.

• Staph aureus bacteraemia requires a minimum of 14 days of IV therapy.

Vancomycin IV, use critical care continuous infusion

AND

Piperacillin-tazobactam 4.5g every 8 hours IV - where Pseudomonas has been isolated or is a significant concern increase to 6 hourly.

CONSIDER anti-fungals - see critical care anti-fungal policy.

Penicillin allergy

Vancomycin IV, use critical care continuous infusion

AND

Ciprofloxacin 400mg every 12 hours IV - where Pseudomonas has been isolated or is a significant concern increase to 8 hourly.

CONSIDER anti-fungals - see critical care anti-fungal policy.