Updates

The advice on the timing of the review of patients prescribed a course of antibiotic treatment has been amended to clarify that the review should ideally happen at 3 days. Changes to reflect this have been made throughout the Bacterial Infections section of the guidance and relevant supporting tools.

In addition, the ‘Bacterial infections 3-day review tool’ has been simplified and renamed ‘Bacterial infections review tool’.

The Bacterial Infections section of the guidance has been updated. The main changes are:

• a revised introductory section, with new information on antibiotic stewardship, recognising sepsis and providing safety‑netting advice
• updated prescribing advice for dental abscess
• advice on the appropriate use of second‑line antibiotics for dental abscess, including amendments to the recommended dose for clindamycin and clarithromycin and removal of co-amoxiclav
• amended advice on the management of sinusitis
• addition of a tool to support a 3-day review of patients prescribed antibiotics
• updates to the Bacterial Infections Management Guide

Guidance updated to reflect BNF 90 and BNFC 2025-2026

Changes are:

• Glyceryl trinitrate spray – updated information on administration: repeat dose changed from 'after 3 minutes' to 'after 5 minutes'.
• Ibuprofen – addition of information on maximum dose in children.
• Metronidazole – update to patient advice on alcohol use during and after treatment.
• Miconazole Oromucosal Gel – change in pack size from 80 g to 15 g.
• Omeprazole – Removed cautions on use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• Salbutamol – updated information on administration.

Guidance updated to reflect BNF 89 

Changes are:

• Co-amoxiclav - change to expression of co-amoxiclav tablet dose from 250/125 to 375 mg (250/125 mg)
• Fungal infections - section updated to reflect changes to fluconazole dosing and management of oropharyngeal fungal infections
• Glucose - change to glucose doses for treatment of hypoglycaemia in adults and children

Guidance updated to reflect BNF 87 and BNFC 2023-24

Changes are:

• BioXtra Gel - preparation removed as no longer listed in BNF
• Doxycyline - change of duration for treatment of sinusitis from 7 days to 5 days
• Loratidine - update to child age/weight dosing information
• Paracetamol - update to presentation of child age ranges

8 April 2024

Miconazole cream - tube size amended from 20 g to 30 g

9 November 2023

Ephedrine Nasal Drops, 0.5% - preparation removed as no longer available to prescribe.