Neisseria meningitides (Infants and Children)

Duration of Therapy

7 Days

If Penicillin MIC less than or equal to 0.1 mcg/mL

Penicillin G

66,500 units/kg IM/IV q4h

Dose limit: 24 million units/day (4 million units/dose)

If Penicillin MIC 0.1 to 1 mcg/mL

Ceftriaxone

Greater than 1 month of age
100mg/kg IV at 0, 12, and 24h followed by 100mg/kg IV q24h or 50mg/kg IV q12h

Dose limit: 4 g/day (2 g/dose)

PCN Allergy

Meropenem

40 mg/kg IV q8h

Dose limit: 6 g/day (2 g/dose)

Penicillin/Beta-lactam Allergy

If the patient has a true history of IgE mediated penicillin or beta-lactam allergy, the risks versus benefit of empiric treatment of suspected meningitis with appropriate antimicrobials should be discussed.