Lung abscess

Micro Organisms

Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mixed infections including anaerobes

Duration

Seek specialist advice

Notes

Therapy

  • Urgent referral to chest physician advised.
  • Send sputum samples for culture.
  • Aspiration or bronchoscopy may be indicated.

First Line

Therapy

IV Co-amoxiclav 1.2g 8 hourly

Penicillin allergy

Therapy

IV Co-trimoxazole* 960mg 12 hourly

+ IV Metronidazole 500mg 8 hourly

Notes:

*If IV Co-trimoxazole not available use:

IV Clindamycin 600mg 8 hourly +/- IV Ciprofloxacin 400mg 12 hourly

Ciprofloxacin: check important safety information in BNF & give MHRA patient information leaflet to patient