IM/IVAdult 0.6-2.4 g daily in 2-4 divided doses. Meningococcal & pneumococcal meningitis 9.6-14.4 g daily (2.4 g 4-6 hrly); up to 18 g daily for meningococcal meningitis. Childn & infant 1 mth-12 yr 100 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Neonate 1-4 wk 75 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; 50 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Severe meningococcal meningitisChildn & infant 1 mth-12 yr 180-300 mg daily in 4-6 divided doses. Neonate 1-4 wk 150 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; >7 days 100 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Suspected meningococcal infectionAdult & childn >10 yr 1.2 g; 1-9 yr 600 mg; <1 yr 300 mg. Intrapartum prophylaxis against group B streptococci infection Initially 3-1.5 g 4 hrly until delivery.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins & other β-lactams.
Special Precautions
History of allergy. Impaired renal function & heart failure. Patients receiving K-sparing diuretics. Renal & hematological function should be monitored. May interfere w/ diagnostic tests. Patients w/ spirochete infections & syphilis. Prolonged use.
Adverse Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions; anaphylaxis, electrolyte imbalance. Diarrhea & nausea (oral), sore mouth or tongue, black hairy tongue. Pseudomembranous colitis.
Sign Out
