Drug Protocols

1gm powder in an ampoule

Suspected meningococcal septicaemia with evidence of petichial or purpuric rash consistent with meningococcal septicaemia and headache, +/- hypotension and/or tachycardia

Known anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction to penicillin based drugs (not minor rash)

Know allergy to cephalsporin drugs

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain at the administration site

IM -1gm diluted with 3.5ml of normal saline (results in total volume of 4ml)


IV - 1gm diluted with 9.5ml of normal saline, administered slowly over 2 minutes and flushed with normal saline.

IM - 1gm powder mixed with 1.5ml normal saline (total volume 2ml) then administer volume according to specified weight ranges:

• Weight less than 5kg = 0.5ml
• 5-10kg = 1ml
• 10-15kg = 1.5ml
• 15-20kg = 2ml
• greater than 20kg = 2ml (max dose 1 gm)

IV - 1gm diluted with 9.5mls of normal saline (results in a volume of 10ml = 100mg/ml) Once mixed, administer 50mg/kg (0.5ml/kg) slowly over 2 minutes

Greater than 20kg max dose = 1gm (1000mg)