Formulary

Meningitis guidance

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

Suspected meningococcal disease

Transfer all patients to hospital immediately

Contact Public Health England Acute Response Centre – 0300 3038162

If time before hospital admission, administer benzylpenicillin prior to admission unless allergic to penicillins. If non severe allergy e.g. not anaphylactic, consider ceftriaxone. Ideally IV but IM if a vein cannot be found.

IV or IM Benzylpenicillin
  • Adults and children 10 years of age and over: 1200mg
  • Children 1-9 years of age: 600mg
  • Children under 1 year of age: 300mg
Ceftriaxone

Prevention of secondary case of meningitis

Only prescribe following advice from Public Health Practitioner

  • 9am – 5pm or Out of Hours: 0344 3038162