Sepsis - Unknown Source

First Line

Important: Therapy

Amoxicillin 1g IV 8 hourly

+

Gentamicin IV (Extended Interval Dosing as per guideline) Use Gentamicin Calculator. Max 3 days then review.

 

If MRSA suspected substitute Vancomycin IV (Dosing as per guideline. Use Vancomycin calculator) for amoxicillin.

If intra-abdominal source suspected see Gastro-Intestinal Tract Infections – Intra-Abdominal Sepsis

Change according to results of sensitivities.  Switch to oral as soon as appropriate.

Penicillin Allergy

Important: Therapy

Vancomycin IV (Dosing as per guideline. Use Vancomycin calculator)

+

Gentamicin IV (Extended Interval Dosing as per guideline) Use Gentamicin Calculator. Max 3 days then review.

 

If intra-abdominal source suspected see Gastro-Intestinal Tract Infections - Intra-Abdominal Sepsis.

Change according to results of sensitivities. Switch to oral as soon as appropriate.

 

Important: Notes

If the source of infection is known, antimicrobial therapy can be based on the most suitable empirical therapy for the infection, pending results of culture and susceptibility tests.

If source is unknown, take appropriate samples of specific body fluids, e.g. urine, sputum to determine the source of infection.

Change according to results of sensitivities.  Switch to oral as soon as appropriate