Pertussis

NICE CKS: Whooping cough UK Health Security Agency guidance.

Treatment of Pertussis

If onset of cough is within the previous 14 days.

Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin 500mg tablets

500mg twice a day for 7 days.

Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension

500mg twice a day for 7 days.

Preferred option in pregnancy.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin 250mg gastro-resistant tablets

500mg every 6 hours for 7 days, doses can be doubled in severe infections.

Erythromycin ethyl succinate 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

500mg every 6 hours for 7 days, doses can be doubled in severe infections.

Prescribing Notes:

History Notes

10/10/2024

New content agreed, ERWG Sep 24.

Prophylaxis of Pertussis

Public Health should always be contacted in the first instance.

Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin 500mg tablets

500mg twice a day for 7 days.

Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension

500mg twice a day for 7 days.

Preferred option in pregnancy.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin 250mg gastro-resistant tablets

500mg every 6 hours for 7 days, doses can be doubled in severe infections.

Erythromycin ethyl succinate 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

500mg every 6 hours for 7 days, doses can be doubled in severe infections.

Prescribing Notes:

History Notes

10/10/2024

New content agreed, ERWG Sep 24.

Treatment of Pertussis

If onset of cough is within the previous 14 days.

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:

History Notes

25/09/2024

update to prescribing information, ERWG Sept 24.

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Prophylaxis of Pertussis

Public Health should always be contacted in the first instance.

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:

  • Refer to NICE CKS: Whooping cough.
  • Public Health should be notified to assess and arrange antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination where indicated in line with national guidance.
  • For further information including advice on vaccination of the index case and close contacts refer to Public Health England guidance.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.