Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for UCLA Health

Atypical Pneumonia

Note

Characterized by

  • Patchy, interstitial pattern on CXR

  • Insidious onset

  • HA

  • Malaise

  • Sore throat

  • Prominent cough

  • Age >5

Often caused by viruses but may be caused by atypical pathogens including Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Most atypical disease is mild and self limited.

Treatment

Consider azithromycin for presumed infection in presence of severe disease

Azithromycin 10mg/kg/day PO/IV in a once daily dose on day 1,
Max dose: 500mg
followed by 5mg/kg/day in once daily dosing on days 2-5
Max dose: 250mg