What antibiotics are used for neonatal sepsis?

The antibiotics commonly used to treat neonatal sepsis include ampicillin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, vancomycin, erythromycin, and piperacillin.

How is neonatal sepsis treated?

How is sepsis in newborns treated?

  1. Intravenous (IV, directly into a vein) fluids.
  2. IV antibiotics.
  3. Medications for fever (rarely used in newborns)
  4. Extra oxygen and other forms of respiratory support, if needed.

What is the most important treatment of neonatal sepsis?

In late-onset hospital-acquired sepsis, initial therapy should include vancomycin (active against methicillin-resistant S. aureus; see table Vancomycin Dosage for Neonates ) plus an aminoglycoside.

Which antibiotic should be avoided in neonates?

These physiological changes can result in unfavorable outcomes for the pediatric patient. This article aims to outline those changes, focusing on the use of two antibiotic classes historically contraindicated in children: fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines.

Is ceftriaxone safe in neonates?

Ceftriaxone is a safe and well tolerated antibiotic for use in the treatment of newborn sepsis and possibly meningitis. A once daily administration of 50 mg/kg by the IV and IM routes provides satisfactory plasma concentrations throughout the dosage interval whilst avoiding accumulation.

Why is ceftriaxone not used in neonates?

ceftriaxone is not recommended for use in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia because ceftriaxone displaces bilirubin from albumin binding sites increasing unconjugated plasma concentration. Concurrent administration of ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions is contraindicated.

How are antibiotics administered to neonates?

The antibiotics are most commonly given via a cannula (IV) inserted into a vein in your baby’s arm or leg. The cannula is flushed with sterile saline (salt water) every 6 hours and before and after each antibiotic is given. The antibiotics that your baby is most likely to be given are amoxycillin and gentamicin.

Why do neonates get cefotaxime instead of ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are appealing options for the treatment of neonatal infections. Guidelines recommend cefotaxime as the cephalosporin of choice in neonates because of ceftriaxone’s potential to cause hyperbilirubinemia.

Can we give ceftriaxone in neonates?