Paediatric

Intra-abdominal infections (including peritonitis)

Give antibiotics for 48-72 hours and then review.

Preferred

co-amoxiclav 30mg/kg (max 1.2g) iv TDS (BD if 1-2 months old)

If septic ADD STAT dose gentamicin 7mg/kg iv (max 560mg)

For MRSA positive patients

ADD vancomycin iv.  Review once microbiology results available.

Alternatives: Penicillin allergy (non-severe)

ceftriaxone 80mg/kg (Max 4g) iv OD

AND metronidazole iv see dosing table below

If septic ADD STAT dose gentamicin 7mg/kg iv (Max 560mg)

For MRSA positive patients: ADD vancomycin iv. Review once microbiology results available.

metronidazole IV dosing:

Age

metronidazole IV dose

1 month up to 2 months

Loading dose 15 mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv, then (after 8 hours) 7.5 mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv TDS

2 months to 17 years

7.5mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv TDS

 

Alternatives: Penicillin allergy (severe)

ciprofloxacin* 10mg/kg (max 400mg) iv TDS   

AND metronidazole iv see dosing table below

Consider adding vancomycin iv

For MRSA positive patients: ADD vancomycin iv. Review once microbiology results available.

metronidazole IV dosing:

Age

metronidazole IV dose

1 month up to 2 months

Loading dose 15 mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv, then (after 8 hours) 7.5 mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv TDS

2 months to 17 years

7.5mg/kg (Max 500mg) iv TDS

 

* Note: Ciprofloxacin may induce convulsions in patients with or without a history of convulsions – use with caution

Also Note: If patient is prescribed ciprofloxacin ensure that the patient is given the Fluoroquinolone MHRA patient information leaflet. 

For more information about MHRA safety alerts and patient or carer counselling See Fluoroquinolone antibiotics -  paediatric position statement

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 10 Jul 2025

Author(s): AMST.

Approved By: MMTC