Aspiration Pneumonia

Most likely pathogens

Duration of Therapy

5-7 days of treatment for patients with a good clinical response and no evidence of extrapulmonary infection, and longer treatment for those with necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, or empyema.

Suggested Regimen: Amoxicillin- Clavulanate

Usual Dose:
Dosing is based on amoxicillin component:
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 15-20 mg/kg/dose PO TID
Use 80 mg/mL (7:1) formulation only

OR

High Dose:
Dosing is based on amoxicillin component:
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 25-30 mg/kg/dose PO TID
To be provided to patient as:

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO TID
Use 80 mg/mL (7:1) formulation only

AND

Amoxicillin 15 mg/kg/dose PO TID
Maximum total amoxicillin dose: 4 grams/24h
(Usual maximum adult dose 1 g PO q8h)

OR if IV required

Ceftriaxone
50-75 mg/kg/dose IV q24h
Maximum: 2 grams/dose

IF POOR DENTITION ADD:

Metronidazole 10 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8h
Maximum: 500 mg/dose

Penicillin allergy

Ceftriaxone
50-75 mg/kg/dose IV q24h
Maximum: 2 grams/dose

IF POOR DENTITION ADD:

Metronidazole 10 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8h
Maximum: 500 mg/dose