CHLORAMPHENICOL

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 250mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 1 gram

METRONIDAZOLE

Important: Therapy notes

  • Metronidazole is indicated for anaerobic infections.
  • For use in trichomoniasis see NHS Highland and Western Isles Antimicrobial website.
  • Warn patients of the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction if alcohol is taken while on metronidazole.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 200mg, 400mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral suspension 200mg/5mL

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Suppositories 500mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 500mg/100mL

NITROFURANTOIN

Important: Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions (April 2023) (www.gov.uk).

  • Nitrofurantoin may be used for urinary-tract infections in the first and second trimesters in pregnancy. 
  • The modified release preparation has improved patient tolerability and may reduce the need for second-line antibiotics.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 50mg, 100mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Modified release capsules 100mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral suspension 25mg/5mL

RIFAMPICIN

Important: Therapy notes

SPS article: What is a suitable combined oral contraceptive pill in a patient who is taking hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin or rifabutin? (May 2019).

  • Warn patients that rifampicin therapy might colour body secretions orange/red (including soft contact lenses). 
  • Be aware of important drug interactions with rifampicin, eg failure of the oral contraceptive due to enzyme inducement (refer to BNF). 
  • Avoid monotherapy due to rapid emergence of resistant strains.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 150mg, 300mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Syrup 100mg/5mL

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 600mg

SODIUM FUSIDATE

Important: Therapy notes

  • Sodium fusidate has a very limited spectrum of activity.  
  • Avoid monotherapy as it will lead to emergence of resistant strains. 

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 250mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral suspension (as fusidic acid) 250mg/5mL

TEICOPLANIN

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 200mg, 400mg

VANCOMYCIN

Important: Therapy notes

  • For systemic infections where vancomycin is indicated, the intravenous route must be used. 
  • For intravenous use follow hospital guidelines. 
  • Drug levels require monitoring. 
  • Vancomycin is very poorly absorbed and should only be used orally in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea see antimicrobial guidance.
  • See: information pack for GPs Clostridioides difficile
  • Vancomycin and teicoplanin are mainly reserved for treatment of known or suspected MRSA infection. 

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 125mg, 250mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 500mg, 1 gram

Editorial Information

Document Id: F265