Lower respiratory tract illness

Treatment of LRTI in otherwise healthy children

In otherwise healthy individuals no antibiotic treatment.

In non-responsive cases. Following sputum sample.

Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin 250mg capsules

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 500mg capsules

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

If penicillin allergic, prescribe clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin 250mg tablets

See BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 500mg tablets

See BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension

See BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension

See BNFc for dose and duration.

Prescribing Notes:

  • The vast majority of respiratory tract illness is self-limiting. Purulent sputum alone is not a marker for antibiotic treatment.
  • Patients suffering recurrent episodes should be referred for further investigation.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of LRTI with pre-existing lung disease and/or other complicating factors (child)
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin 250mg capsules

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 500mg capsules

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

If penicillin allergic, prescribe clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin 250mg tablets

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 500mg tablets

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension

Refer to BNFc for dose and duration.

Prescribing Notes:

  • The vast majority of respiratory tract illness is self-limiting. Purulent sputum alone is not a marker for antibiotic treatment. Patients suffering recurrent episodes should be referred for further investigation.
  • Most infective exacerbations of asthma are viral and do not require antibiotics.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.