Pertussis | Spectrum

This is a vaccine preventable and notifiable disease. Please contact medical officer of health as contact tracing and post exposure prophylaxis needs to be considered.

Bacterial Pathogen

Bordetella pertussis

Duration of Therapy

See individual drugs

First Line Therapy

Azithromycin (5d)
Day 1: 10 mg/kg per day
Day 2-5: 5 mg/kg per day q24h

OR

Clarithromycin 15 mg/kg per day divided bid
Duration: 5-7 days

Alternatives (in Order)

Erythromycin 30-50 mg/kg per day as base divided tid or qid.
Duration: 14 days

OR

Cotrimoxazole 6-12 mg TMP/kg per day divided bid
Duration: 10 days

Cotrimoxazole not preferred for Pertussis but may be used if intolerant to Macrolides.