16.2.10
Severe Pneumonia
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 16, Respiratory Conditions.
Clinical Description
Severe pneumonia with CURB-65 >3 +/- complications as mentioned as above
Signs and Symptoms
- Respiratory rate > 30/min, shock (- BP <90/60mmHg), confusion / drowsiness central cyanosis
- Refer to district hospital
Treatment
- IV fluids
- Oxygen therapy if hypoxic
- Give Ceftriaxone 2g IV 12 hourly plus
- Azithromycin 500mg od or Erythromycin 500mg 6 hourly
Alternatively
- Give Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid 1.2g IV8 hourly
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
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