Scarlet fever
Notify the local health protection team promptly by completing a notification form if a diagnosis of scarlet fever is suspected.
Preferred
Treat for 10 days
phenoxymethyl penicillin (penicillin V) po see dosing table
The unpleasant taste and palatability of phenoxymethyl penicillin (penicillin V) suspension can affect adherence to antibiotics, which may result in treatment failure. The use of tablets should be encouraged in children over the age of 6 years old. The healthier together team provide advice about teaching children to swallow tablets.
|
Age |
phenoxymethyl penicillin (penicillin V) oral dose |
|
1 month to 11 months |
62.5mg QDS or 125mg BD |
|
1 year -5 years |
125mg QDS or 250mg BD |
|
6-11 years |
250mg QDS or 500mg BD |
|
12-18 years |
500mg QDS or 1g BD |
If penicillin suspension not tolerated (palatability), use amoxicillin po, see dosing table.
Alternatively dosing of 40mg/kg (Max 1g) po BD may be used*
Treat for 10 days
|
Age |
amoxicillin oral dose |
|
1 month to 11 months |
125mg TDS |
|
1 year - 4 years |
250mg TDS |
|
5 years and over |
500mg TDS |
*Off-license dosing. Reference: World Health Organisation. Recommendations for management of common childhood 2012 conditions. WHO link accessed 02/23
If severe or orals not tolerated: consider benzylpenicillin 50mg/kg (Max 2.4g) iv QDS
Alternative
For penicillin allergy (non-severe and severe)
Under 6 months: clarithromycin po, see dosing table, for 10 days
|
Weight |
clarithromycin oral dose |
|
Under 8 kg |
7.5mg/kg BD |
|
8 to 11 kg |
62.5mg BD |
|
12 to 19 kg |
125mg BD |
6 months to 12 years old: azithromycin 12mg/kg (Max 500mg) po OD for 5 days
12 to 18 years old: azithromycin 500mg OD for 5 days