Bacterial meningitis requires immediate treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The specific antibiotic used depends on several factors, including the suspected causative bacteria and the patient's age and health. However, some commonly used antibiotics include:
First-Line Antibiotics:
- Ceftriaxone: This is often the preferred first-line treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis when the specific bacteria hasn't been identified. A typical dosage is 2 g per day for 14-28 days. [Reference 1, 6, 8, 9]
- Cefotaxime: Another cephalosporin antibiotic frequently used as a first-line treatment for adults, especially when ceftriaxone is not suitable. [Reference 8]
- Penicillin G: This is an alternative to ceftriaxone, with a typical dosage of 20 million units per day for 14-28 days. [Reference 1]
Other Antibiotics:
Depending on the specific bacteria identified and antibiotic susceptibility testing, other antibiotics might be used, including:
- Doxycycline: Used at a dosage of 100 mg orally or intravenously every 12 hours for 14-28 days. [Reference 1]
- Chloramphenicol: Administered at 1 g every 6 hours for 14-28 days. [Reference 1]
- Isoniazid and Rifampin: These are used in the treatment of tuberculosis meningitis, often for 7-10 months after an initial 2-month treatment with other antibiotics. [Reference 5]
- Fluconazole: This antifungal medication is used to treat Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. [Reference 2]
Important Note: Treatment for meningitis always begins promptly with intravenous antibiotics even before a definitive diagnosis is confirmed. This is because bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening. The specific choice and duration of antibiotic therapy are determined by the treating physician based on various factors specific to the patient and their infection.
[Reference 1:] The drug of choice is ceftriaxone (2 g/day for 14-28 days). The alternative therapy is penicillin G (20 million U/day for 14-28 days). Doxycycline (100 mg orally or IV every 12 hours for 14-28 days) or chloramphenicol (1 g every 6 hours for 14-28 days) has also been used. (Source provided with the question)
[Reference 2:] The preferred treatment for meningitis caused by C immitis is oral fluconazole (400 mg/day). (Source provided with the question)
[Reference 5:] For tuberculosis meningitis — doctors may prescribe isoniazid and rifampin for 7–10 months following 2 months of treatment with the following... (Source provided with the question)
[Reference 6:] The committee agreed that ceftriaxone should be given as first-line treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis when the causative organism has not been... (Source provided with the question)
[Reference 8:] If you're 18 or older, the first line of treatment for bacterial meningitis is ceftriaxone or cefotaxime. (Source provided with the question)
[Reference 9:] Meningitis treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis and antifungals are used to treat fungal meningitis. (Source provided with the question)
