Remote Primary Health Care Manuals

Antibiotics doses table [On line] - Ed 2022 ⚠️

Seek a medical consult for medicine use in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Contact your closest Pregnancy Drug Information Centre for more information on using medicines when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding

Aciclovir

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B3 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix 200mg dispersible tablet in 50mL water to make 4mg/mL solution. Mix well and use straight away
  • If weakened immune system – increase dose
  • If kidney disease – decrease dose
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+

Aciclovir†
Tab: 200mg, 200mg (disp), 800mg
Susp: (4mg/mL)#

 Chickenpox
Shingles		 Oral
5 times a day		 20mg/kg
/dose		 66mg
(17mL)		 124mg
(32mL)		 152mg
(40mL)		 180mg
(45mL)		 240mg
(61mL)

320mg
(81mL or 1½ tab – 200mg)

 400mg
(101mL or 2 tab – 200mg)

500mg
(126mL or 2½ tab – 200mg)

640mg
(161mL or 3½ tab – 200mg)

 800mg
(200mL or 1 tab – 800mg)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Albendazole

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: D – do not use
  • Breastfeed: Appears safe
  • Tablets can be chewed or crushed
  • Do not give to children under 6 months or females who are in first trimester of pregnancy without medical consult
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Albendazole†
Tab: 200mg		 Hookworm
Threadworm		 Oral
Single dose		 N/A 200mg
(1 tab – 200mg)		 400mg
(2 tab – 200mg or 1 tab – 400mg)
Strongyloides
Whipworm		 Oral
Once a day for 3 days

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Amoxicillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Amoxicillin†
Susp: 50mg/mL
Cap: 500mg		 Nose bleed Oral
3 times a day (tds)		 15mg/kg
/dose		 49.5mg
(1mL)		 93mg
(2mL)		 114mg
(2.4mL)		 135mg
(2.8mL)		 180mg
(3.6mL)		 240mg
(4.8mL)		 300mg
(6mL)		 375mg
(7.6mL)		 480mg
(9.6mL)		 500mg
(10mL or 1 cap)
Otitis media Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 25mg/kg
/dose		 82.5mg
(1.8mL)		 155mg
(3.2mL)		 190mg
(3.8mL)		 225mg
(4.6mL)		 300mg
(6mL)		 400mg
(8mL)		 500mg
(10mL or 1 cap)		 625mg
(12.6mL)		 800mg
(16mL)		 1g
(20mL or 2 cap)
Pneumonia Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 35mg/kg
/dose		 115.5mg
(2.4mL)		 217mg
(4.4mL)		 266mg
(5.4mL)		 315mg
(6.4mL)		 420mg
(8.4mL)		 560mg
(11.2mL)		 700mg
(14mL)		 875mg
(17.6mL)		 1g
(20mL or 2 cap)		 1.5g
(30mL or 3 cap)
Endocarditis prevention Oral
Single dose		 50mg/kg
/dose		 165mg
(3.4mL)		 310mg
(6.2mL)		 380mg
(7.6mL)		 450mg
(9mL)		 600mg
(12mL)		 800mg
(16mL)		 1g
(20mL or 2 cap)		 1.25g
(25mL)		 1.5g
(30mL or 3 cap)		 2g
(40mL or 4 cap)
Otitis media Oral
Twice a day (bd)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, cap) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – avoid if PROM
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Doses worked out using amoxicillin component
  • Take with food
  • Caution if liver disease
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid†
Susp: 80+11.4mg/mL
Tab: 875+125mg		 Bite injury
Chronic cough
CSLD
Dental infection
UTI		 Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 22.5mg/
kg/dose		 74.25mg
(1mL)		 139.5mg
(1.9mL)		 171mg
(2.3mL)		 202.5mg
(2.7mL)		 270mg
(3.6mL)		 360mg
(4.7mL)		 450mg
(5.8mL)		 562.5mg
(7.2mL)		 720mg
(9.2mL)		 875mg
(11mL or 1 tab)
Otitis media Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 45mg/
kg/dose		 148.5mg
(1.9mL)		 279mg
(3.5mL)		 342mg
(4.3mL)		 405mg
(5.1mL)		 540mg
(6.8mL)		 720mg
(9mL)		 900g
(11.4mL)		 1.13g
(14mL)		 1.4g
(18mL)		 1.75g
(22mL or 2 tab)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, cap) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Ampicillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix with WFI to give 100mg/mL – 500mg with 4.7mL, 1g with 9.3mL
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Ampicillin
Inj#: 500mg, 1g		 Endocarditis prevention
Gall bladder		 IV
Single dose		 50mg/kg
/dose		 165mg
(1.7mL)		 310mg
(3.3mL)		 380mg
(4mL)		 450mg
(4.7mL)		 600mg
(6mL)		 800mg
(8mL)		 1g
(10mL)		 1.25g
(12.7mL)		 1.6g
(16mL)		 2g
(20mL)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

Azithromycin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Azithromycin†
Susp: 40mg/mL
Tab: 500mg
 		 Trachoma — TF or TI Oral
Single dose		 80mg
(2mL)		 160mg
(4mL)		 240mg
(6mL)		 400mg
(10mL)		 500mg
(12.5mL or 1 tab)		 750mg
(18.8mL or 1½ tab)		 1g
(25mL or 2 tab)
Severe pneumonia Oral
Single dose		 10mg/
kg/dose		 33mg
(0.8mL)


62mg
(1.6mL)


76mg
(2mL)

 90mg
(2.5mL)		 120mg
(3mL)		 160mg
(4mL)		 200mg
(5mL)		 250mg
(6.5mL)		 320mg
(8mL)		 400mg
(10mL)
Sore throat Oral
Once a day		 12mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 74.4mg
(2mL)		 91.2mg
(2.5mL)		 108mg
(3mL)		 144mg
(4mL)		 192mg
(5mL)		 240mg
(6mL)		 300mg
(7.7mL)		 384mg
(10mL)		 480mg
(12mL or 1 tab)
Otitis media Oral
Single dose		 30mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 186mg
(4.8mL)		 228mg
(5.8mL or ½ tab)		 270mg
(6.8mL)		 360mg
(9mL)		 480mg
(12mL or 1 tab)		 600mg
(15mL)		 750mg
(18.8mL or 1½ tab)		 1g
(25mL or 2 tab)		 1g
(25mL or 2 tab)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A)

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Long lasting low levels of penicillin
  • Do not give for pneumonia
  • Note: 1,200,000units = 900mg
  • For syphilis dose see STI protocols
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A)
Inj: 1,200,000units/2.3mL
600,000units/1.2mL
syringe		 Chickenpox
Skin sores
Sore throat
 		 Deep IM
Single dose		 450,000units/0.9mL
(337.5mg)
For child less than 10kg paedatrician consult for secondary prophylaxis regime		 600,000units
/1.2mL
(450mg)
For child 10-19kg		 1,200,000units/2.3mL
(1 x  2.3mL syringe)
(900mg)
 
RHD Deep IM
Every 21–28 days		 600,000units/1.2mL
(1 x 1.2mL syringe)
(450mg)		 1,200,000U/2.3mL
(1 x  2.3mL syringe)
(900mg)
 

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book. 

 

Benzylpenicillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix with WFI to give 300mg/mL — 600mg with 1.6mL, 1.2g with 3.2mL
  • Inject over 5 minutes
  • Infuse over 30 minutes
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+

Benzylpenicillin†
Inj#: 600mg, 1.2g		 Dental infection

 IV or IM
Every 6 hours (qid)		 30mg/kg
/dose		 99mg
(0.3mL)		 186mg
(0.6mL)		 228mg
(0.8mL)		 270mg
(1mL)		 360mg
(1.2mL)		 480mg
(1.6mL)		 600mg
(2mL)		 750mg
(2.5mL)		 960mg
(3.2mL)		 1.2g
(4mL)
Severe pneumonia

 IV or IM
Single dose		 50mg/kg
/dose		 165mg
(0.6mL)		 310mg
(1mL)		 380mg
(1.3mL)		 450mg
(1.5mL)		 600mg
(2mL)		 800mg
(2.7mL)		 1g
(3.5mL)		 1.2g
(4mL)

Moderate pneumonia

 IV or IM
Every 6 hours (qid)		 50mg/kg
/dose
Meningitis IV
Single dose		 60mg/kg
/dose		 198mg
(0.7mL)		 372mg
(1.2mL)		 456mg
(1.5mL)		 540mg
(2mL)		 720mg
(2.4mL)		 960mg
(3.2mL)		 1.2g
(4mL)		 1.5g
(5mL)		 1.92g
(6.4mL)		 2.4g
(8mL)

† = other strengths available. Doses in brackets (mL) only apply to strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book. 

 

Cefalexin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
 
Cefalexin†
Susp: 50mg/1mL
Cap: 500mg

Water-related skin infection

 Oral
4 times a day (qid)		 12.5mg/kg/dose 41.3mg
(0.8mL)		 77.5mg
(1.6mL)		 95mg
(2mL)		 112.5mg
(2.5mL)		 150mg
(3mL)		 200mg
(4mL)		 250mg
(5mL)		 312.5mg
(6.5mL)		 400mg
(8mL)		 500mg
(10mL)

Sore throat
Soft tissue injuries

 Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 25mg/kg/dose 82.5mg
(1.7mL)		 155mg
(3.3mL)		 190mg
(4mL)		 225mg
(4.5mL)		 300mg
(6mL)		 400mg
(8mL)		 500mg
(10mL or 1 cap – 500mg)		 625mg
(12.5mL)		 800mg
(16mL)		 1g
(20mL or 2 cap – 500mg)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Cefazolin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix with WFI to give 100mg/mL — 500mg with 4.8mL, 1g with 9.5mL, 2g with 19mL 
  • Inject over 3 minutes
  • Infuse over 30 minutes
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+

Cefazolin
Inj#: 500mg, 1g, 2g

 Bone infection
 		 IV
Single dose		 50mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 310mg
(3.1mL)		 380mg
(4mL)		 450mg
(4.5mL)		 600mg
(6mL)		 800mg
(8mL)		 1g
(10mL)		 1.25g
(12.5mL)		 1.6g
(16mL)		 2g
(20mL)
Bite injury IV
Twice a day (bd)

Compound fracture
Head injury
Pelvic fracture
Penetrating chest injury
Soft tissues injuries
Severe cellulitis
Stab wounds

 IV or intraosseus
Every 8 hours

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

Ceftazidime

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix with WFl to give 170mg/mL — 1g with 5mL, 2g with 10mL
  • Inject over 3 minutes
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Ceftazidime†
Inj#: 1g, 2g		 Melioidosis

 IV
Single dose		 50mg/
kg/dose		 165mg
(1mL)		 310mg
(1.8mL)		 380mg
(2.2mL)		 450mg
(2.6mL)		 600mg
(3.5mL)		 800mg
(4.7mL)		 1g
(5.9mL)		 1.25g
(7.4mL)		 1.6g
(9.4mL)		 2g
(11.8mL)

† = other strengths available. Doses in brackets (mL) only apply to strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

Ceftriaxone

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # For IM mix with lidocaine 1% to give 250mg/mL – 500mg with 2mL, 1g with 3.5mL – not more than 1g in each buttock
  • # For IV mix with WFI to give 100mg/mL – 500mg with 5mL, 1g with 10mL, 2g with 40mL
  • Inject (up to 1g) over 3 minutes
  • In urgent and  critically unwell (sepsis) – 2g dose can be injected over 5 minutes
  • Infuse over at least 30 minutes
  • Do not mix with Hartman’s solution
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Ceftriaxone†
Inj#: 500mg, 1g, 2g		 Gonococcal conjunctivitis
Gall bladder infection

 IV or IM
Single dose		 50mg/
kg/dose		 165mg
(0.7mL)		 310mg
(1.2mL)		 380mg
(1.5mL)		 450mg
(1.8mL)		 600mg
(2.4mL)		 800mg
(3.2mL)		 1g
(4mL)
Water-related skin infection
Pneumonia
Diarrhoea		 IV or IM
Single dose		 50mg/
kg/dose

 165mg
(0.7mL)		 310mg
(1.2mL)		 380mg
(1.5mL)		 450mg
(1.8mL)		 600mg
(2.4mL)		 800mg
(3.2mL)		 1g
(4mL)		 1.25g
(5mL)		 1.6g
(6.4mL)		 2g
(8mL)
Melioidosis
Orbital cellulitis

Bowel obstruction
Peritonitis
Severe pneumonia
Sepsis

 IV
Single dose		 50mg/
kg/dose

 165mg
(0.7mL)		 310mg
(1.2mL)		 380mg
(1.5mL)		 450mg
(1.8mL)		 600mg
(2.4mL)		 800mg
(3.2mL)		 1g
(4mL)		 1.25g
(5mL)		 1.6g
(6.4mL)		 2g
(8mL)
Meningitis IV or IM
Single dose		 100mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 620mg
(2.5mL)		 760mg
(3mL)		 900mg
(3.6mL)		 1.2g
(4.8mL)		 1.6g
(6.4mL)		 2g
(8mL)		 2.5g
(10mL)		 3.2g
(12.8mL)		 4g
(16mL)

† = other strengths available. Doses in brackets (mL) only apply to strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

 

Cefuroxime

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Take with food to maximise absorption
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Cefuroxime†
Susp: 25mg/1mL
Tab: 250mg		 CSLD Oral
Twice a day		 15mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 93mg
(3.7mL)		 114mg
(4.6mL)		 135mg
(5.4mL)		 180mg
(7.2mL)		 250mg
(10mL or 1 tab – 250mg)		 500mg
(2 tabs – 250mg)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Ciprofloxacin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B3 – not recommended
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • If kidney disease — reduce dose
  • Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Drink plenty of water
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Ciprofloxacin
Tab: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg		 Water-related skin infections Oral
Twice a day		 12.5mg/kg
/dose		 N/A N/A N/A 125mg
(½ tab – 250mg)		 187.5mg
(¾ tab – 250mg)		 250mg
(1 tab – 250mg)		 312.5mg
(1¼ tab – 250mg)		 375mg
(1½ tab – 250mg)		 500mg
(1 tab – 500mg)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Clindamycin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Take with full glass of water
  • # Mix measured dose with glucose 5% or normal saline to give concentration not more than 12mg/mL
  • Infuse slowly – not more than 30mg/minute
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Clindamycin
Cap: 150mg		 Dental infection Oral
3 times a day (tds)		 7.5mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 150mg
(1 cap)		 300mg
(2 cap)
Cellulitis

 Oral
3 times a day (tds)		 10mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 150mg
(1 cap)		 300mg
(2 cap)		 450mg
(3 cap)
Clindamycin
Inj#: 150mg/mL
(2mL, 4mL)		 Stab wounds IV
Every 8 hours		 10mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 62mg
(0.4mL)		 76mg
(0.5mL)		 90mg
(0.6mL)		 120mg
(0.8mL)		 160mg
(1.1mL)		 200mg
(1.4mL)		 250mg
(1.8mL)		 320mg
(2.2mL)		 40kg
400mg
(2.8mL)
45kg+
450mg
(3mL)
Compound fracture
Head injury
Soft tissue injury		 IV
Every 8 hours		 15mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 93mg
(0.6mL)		 114mg
(0.8mL)		 135mg
(0.9mL)		 180mg
(1.2mL)		 240mg
(1.6mL)		 300mg
(2mL)		 375mg
(2.6mL)		 480mg
(3.2mL)		 600mg
(4mL)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Dicloxacillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B2 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • * If giving with probenecid — give same treatment dose but only give twice a day (ie give half usual daily total dose)
  • Take on an empty stomach
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Dicloxacillin
Cap: 250mg, 500mg		 Boils
 		 Oral
4 times a day (qid)
OR
Twice a day (bd) with probenecid*		 12.5mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 250mg
(1 cap – 250mg)		 500mg
(1 cap – 500mg)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Doxycycline

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: D – do not use
  • Breastfeed: Safe for 7–10 days
  • Take with food
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Doxycycline
Tab: 50mg, 100mg
Cap: 50mg, 100mg		 Dental infection
 		 Oral
Once a day		 2mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 50mg
(1 tab – 50mg)		 75mg
(1½ tab – 50mg)		 100mg
(1 tab – 100mg)
Pneumonia Oral
Twice a day

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Flucloxacillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • If giving oral with probenecid — give same treatment dose but only give twice a day (ie give half usual daily total dose)
  • Take on an empty stomach
  • # Mix with WFI to give 50mg/mL — 500mg with 9.6mL, 1g with 19.3mL
  • Inject over 3 minutes. If 2g inject over 6 minutes
  • Infuse over 30 minutes. Preferred for 2g
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Flucloxacillin†
Susp: 50mg/mL
Cap: 500mg
Inj#: 500mg, 1g		 Soft tissue injuries
Nappy rash		 Oral
4 times a day (qid)		 12.5mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 77.5mg
(1.6mL)		 95mg
(2mL)		 112.5mg
(2.4mL)		 150mg
(3mL)		 200mg
(4mL)		 250mg
(5mL)		 312.5mg
(6.4mL)		 400mg
(8mL)		 500mg
(10mL or 1 cap)
Orbital cellulitis
Mastoiditis		 IV
Single dose		 50mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 310mg
(6.2mL)		 380mg
(7.6mL)		 450mg
(9mL)		 600mg
(12mL)		 800mg
(16mL)		 1g
(20mL)		 1.25g
(25mL)		 1.6g
(32mL)		 2g
(40mL)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book. 

 

Gentamicin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: D – specialist advice
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • For adult IV push over 3–5 minutes — can be diluted with normal saline to 20mL
  • For children need dilution to 10mg/mL or weaker and infuse over 30 minutes
  • Administer IM undiluted
  • If kidney failure — specialist consult
  • No maximum adult dose — continue to calculate dose by weight
    • If obese — medical consult about adjusted dose
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Gentamicin†
Inj: 40mg/mL		 Mastoiditis
Melioidosis
Meningitis		 IV
Single dose		 Children up to 10 years old – 7.5mg/
kg/dose up to 320mg.
Children over 10 years old – 6mg/
kg/dose up to 560mg		 Medical consult 46.5mg
(1.2mL)		 57mg
(1.4mL)		 67.5mg
(1.6mL)		 90mg
(2.2mL)		 120mg
(3mL)		 150mg
(3.8mL)		 187.5mg
(4.6mL)		 240mg
(6mL)
Pneumonia IM
Single dose
Gall bladder
Intrauterine infection
Mastoiditis
Melioidosis
Pneumonia
Postpartum haemorrhage
Uterus infection		 IV
Single dose		 Adult
5mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 50kg
250mg
(6.4mL)
60kg
300mg
(7.6mL)
70kg
350mg
(8.8mL)
Intrauterine infection
Postpartum haemorrhage
Uterus infection		 IV
Once a day

† = other strengths available. Doses in brackets (mL) only apply to strength listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

 

Ivermectin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B3 – avoid use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Do not give to children under 5 years, or less than 15kg
  • Give with full cream milk or fatty food
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Ivermectin
Tab: 3mg		 Scabies
Strongyloides
 		 Oral
Single dose		 200microgram
/kg/dose		 N/A 1 tab 2 tab 40kg
3 tab
60kg
4 tab
70kg
5 tab
80kg+
6 tab
Crusted scabies Oral
Once a day on days 0, 1, 7

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Metronidazole

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B2 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • If pregnant or breastfeeding — give divided doses
  • Withhold breastfeeding for 12 hours after single high dose (2g)
  • Must not drink alcohol while taking and for 24 hours after
  • Take with food
  • If severe liver disease — reduce dose
  • Do not infuse faster than 5mL/min. Give 500mg over 20 minutes
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+

Metronidazole†
Susp: 40mg/mL
Tab: 200mg, 400mg

Bites
Dental infection
Diabetic ulcer
Soft tissue infection
Water-related skin infections

 Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 10mg/kg
/dose		 Medical consult 62mg
(1.6mL)		 76mg
(2mL)		 90mg
(2.4mL)		 120mg
(3mL)		 160mg
(4mL)		 200mg
(5mL or 1 tab – 200mg)		 250mg
(6.4mL)		 320mg
(8mL or 1½ tab – 200mg)		 400mg
(10mL or 1 tab – 400mg)
Giardia Oral
Once a day		 30mg/kg
/dose		 99mg
(2.6mL)		 186mg
(4.8mL)		 228mg
(5.8mL)		 270mg
(6.8mL)		 360mg
(9mL or 1 tab – 400mg)		 480mg
(12mL or 1 tab – 400mg)		 600mg
(15mL or 3 tab – 200mg)		 750mg
(18.8mL or 2 tab – 400mg)		 960mg
(24mL or 5 tab – 200mg)

40kg
1.2g
(3 tab – 400mg)
50kg
1.6g
(4 tab – 400mg)
60kg+
2g
(5 tab – 400mg)

Metronidazole
Inj: 5mg/mL

 Gall bladder IV
Single dose		 12.5mg/
kg/dose		 Medical consult 77.5mg
(15.6mL)		 95mg
(19mL)		 112.5mg
(22.6mL)		 150mg
(30mL)		 200mg
(40mL)		 250mg
(50mL)		 312.5mg
(62.6mL)		 400mg
(80mL)		 500mg
(100mL)
Bite injury
Dental infection
Soft tissue infection
Stab wounds		 IV
Twice a day (bd)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book.

 

Phenoxymethylpenicillin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Phenoxymethyl-penicillin†
Susp: 50mg/mL (250mg/5mL)
Cap: 500mg		 Sore throat Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 15mg/kg
/dose		 49.6mg
(1mL)		 93mg
(1.9mL)		 114mg
(2.3mL)		 135mg
(2.7mL)		 180mg
(3.6mL)		 240mg
(4.8mL)		 300mg
(6mL)		 375mg
(7.5mL)		 480mg
(9.6mL)		 500mg
(10mL or 1 cap)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Praziquantel

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B1 – specialist advice
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Children don’t like the taste
  • Give with food
  • Do not chew tablet
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Praziquantel
Tab: 600mg		 Dwarf tapeworms Oral
Single dose		 25mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 300mg
(½ tab)		 450mg
(¾ tab)		 600mg
(1 tab)		 750mg
(1¼ tab)		 40kg
900mg
(1½ tab)
50kg+
1.2g
(2 tab)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Probenecid

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B2 – specialist advice
  • Breastfeed:  Safe to use
  • Delays excretion of penicillin
  • Tablet can be dispersed in water
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Probenecid
Tab: 500mg		 Severe cellulitis Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 25mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 250mg
(½ tab)		 500mg
(1 tab)		 750mg
(1½ tab)		 1g
(2 tab)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book. 

 

Procaine benzylpenicillin (procaine penicillin)

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: A – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Shake well
  • Put into another syringe to measure small doses accurately
  • Roll syringe between palms before use
  • Inject slowly
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Procaine benzylpenicillin (procaine penicillin)
Inj: 1.5g
(3.4mL syringe)		 Cellulitis
Nappy rash		 Deep IM
Once a day		 50mg/kg
/dose		 165mg
(0.4mL)		 310mg
(0.7mL)		 380mg
(0.9mL)		 450mg
(1.1mL)		 600mg
(1.4mL)		 800mg
(1.8mL)		 1g
(2.4mL)		 1.25g
(3mL)		 1.5g
(3.4mL)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, Medicines Book. 

 

Pyrantel

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B2 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Take with food
  • Tablet can be crushed and mixed with jam
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Pyrantel
Tab: 125mg, 250mg
Choc sq: 100mg		 Threadworm

Oral
Single dose
Repeat dose in 2 weeks

 10mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 100mg
(1 sq)		 120mg
(1 tab – 125mg)		 160mg
(1½ sq or 1 tab – 125mg)		 200mg
(2 sq or 1½ tab – 125mg)		 250mg
(2½ sq or 1 tab – 250mg)		 320mg
(3 sq
or 3½ tab – 125mg)
40kg
400mg
(4 sq or 3 tab –125mg)
60kg
600mg
(6 sq or 5 tab – 125mg)
80kg
800mg
(3 tab – 250mg)
100kg+
1g
(4 tab – 250mg)
Hookworm

Oral
Once a day for 3 days

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole)

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: C – avoid use
  • Breastfeed: Caution
  • Doses worked out using trimethoprim component
  • Addition of Folic Acid for prolonged or high dose courses
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+

Trimethoprim-
sulfamethoxazole†
(co-trimoxazole)
Susp: 8+40mg/mL
Tab: 160+800mg

Bites
Otitis media
Skin infection
UTI
Soft tissue infection
Nappy rash

 Oral
Twice a day (bd)		 4+20mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 24.8mg
(3.2mL)		 30.4mg
(3.8mL)		 36mg
(4.6mL)		 48mg
(6mL)		 64mg
(8mL)		 80mg
(10mL or ½ tab)		 100mg
(12.6mL)		 128mg
(16mL)		 160mg
(20mL or 1 tab)
Melioidosis 6+30mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 37.2mg
(4.8mL)		 45.6mg
(5.8mL)		 54mg
(6.8mL)		 72mg
(9mL)		 96mg
(12mL)		 120mg
(15mL)		 150mg
(18.8mL or 1 tab)		 192mg
(24mL or 1 tab)		 40-60kg
240mg
(30mL or 1½ tab)
60+kg
320mg
(40mL or 2 tab)

Water-related skin infection		 8+40mg/
kg/dose		 N/A 49.6mg
(6.2mL)		 60.8mg
(7.6mL)		 72mg
(9mL or ½ tab)		 96mg
(12mL)		 128mg
(16mL)		 160mg
(20mL or 1 tab)		 200mg
(25mL)		 256mg
(32mL or 1½ tab)		 320mg
(40mL or 2 tab)

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

 

Valaciclovir

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (8th ed) or WBM (7th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Pregnancy: B3 – appears safe in 3rd trimester but aciclovir preferred
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • Tablets can be crushed but taste unpleasant. Mix with jam 
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Valaciclovir
Tab: 500mg, 1g		 Chickenpox
Shingles		 Oral
3 times a day		 20mg/kg
/dose		 N/A 250mg
(½ tab – 500mg)		 375mg
(¾ tab – 500mg)		 500mg
(1 tab – 500mg)		 750mg
(1½ tab – 500mg)		 1g
(1 tab – 1g)

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Vancomycin

This table must be used with protocols from CARPA STM (7th ed) or WBM (6th ed) — it does not provide all the information needed for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Notes:

  • Medical consult
  • Pregnancy: B2 – safe to use
  • Breastfeed: Safe to use
  • # Mix with WFI to make 50mg/mL — 500mg with 10mL, 1g with 20mL
  • Doses 500mg or less can be given over 60 minutes
  • Do not infuse doses greater than 500mg at a rate faster than 10mg/minute as red man syndrome can occur
  • Doses (mL) rounded up to nearest 0.2mL unless this is more than 10% above recommended dose
Medicine and presentation Common uses Route and frequency Dosage Amount per dose
Newborn 3 months 6 months 1 year 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years 12 years and over
3.3kg 6.2kg 7.6kg 9kg 12kg 16kg 20kg 25kg 32kg 40kg+
Vancomycin†
Inj#: 500mg, 1g
 Sepsis IV
Single dose

Paediatric
15mg/kg
/dose

 49.5mg
(1mL)		 93mg
(2mL)		 114mg
(2.4mL)		 135mg
(2.8mL)		 180mg
(3.6mL)		 240mg
(4.8mL)		 300mg
(6mL)		 375mg
(7.6mL)		 480mg
(9.6mL)		 600mg
(12mL)
Adult
20mg/kg
/dose

41-50kg
1g (20mL) infuse  over 1 hour 40 min
51-60kg
1.2g (24mL) infuse over 2 hours
61-70kg
 1.4g (28mL) infuse over 2 hours 20 min
71-80kg
 1.6g (32mL) infuse over 2 hours 40 min
81-90kg
1.8g (36mL) infuse over 3 hours
91-100kg
2g (40mL) infuse over 3 hours 20 min
101-110kg
2.2g (44mL) infuse over 3 hours 40 min
Over 110kg
2.4g (48mL) infuse over 4 hours

† = other strengths and forms available. Doses in brackets (mL, tab) only apply to forms and strengths listed.

For more information and details on giving medicine see AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, Medicines Book.

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

For more information on using medicines when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your closest Pregnancy Drug Information Centre.

Australian categories for use of medicines in pregnancy

'Harm’ means birth defects or other direct or indirect harm to fetus. For more detail see AMH or Therapeutic Guidelines.

Category A: Have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any known harm
Category B1: Have been taken by a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any known harm. Animal studies have not shown harm
Category B2: Women as for B1. Animal studies are poor quality or lacking, but no evidence of harm in available data
Category B3: Women as for B1. Animal studies shown some evidence of harm, but not clear if this is significant for humans
Category C: Have caused or are suspected of causing harm but not malformations. Effects may be non–permanent
Category D: Have caused or are suspected of causing permanent harm
Category X: Have such a high risk of causing permanent harm that they should not be used in women who are or could be pregnant

Notes:

  • The categories of medicine are not hierarchical, eg the allocation of B category does not imply greater safety than C category
  • Category D medicines are not always contraindicated for use in pregnant women. The risks and benefits need to be discussed