Other antibacterials (Formulary)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

BISMUTH SUBCITRATE POTASSIUM WITH METRONIDZOLE AND TETRACYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Therapy notes

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules (Pylera®)

Dosage:

As per guidance: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Antimicrobial)

As per SMC 2701: In combination with omeprazole, for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with active or a history of H. pylori associated ulcers.
SMC Restriction: restricted to use in accordance with clinical guidelines for the eradication of H. pylori.

CHLORAMPHENICOL

Therapy notes

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 250mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 1 gram

METRONIDAZOLE

Therapy notes

  • Metronidazole is indicated for anaerobic infections.
  • For use in trichomoniasis see NHS Highland and Western Isles Antimicrobial website.
  • Warn patients of the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction if alcohol is taken while on metronidazole.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 200mg, 400mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral suspension 200mg/5mL

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Suppositories 500mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 500mg/100mL

NITROFURANTOIN

Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions (April 2023) (www.gov.uk).

  • Nitrofurantoin may be used for urinary-tract infections in the first and second trimesters in pregnancy. 
  • The modified release preparation has improved patient tolerability and may reduce the need for second-line antibiotics.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 50mg, 100mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Modified release capsules 100mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral suspension 25mg/5mL

RIFAMPICIN

Therapy notes

SPS article: Using contraception with enzyme-inducing medicines (updated March 2025).

  • Warn patients that rifampicin therapy might colour body secretions orange/red (including soft contact lenses). 
  • Be aware of important drug interactions with rifampicin, eg failure of the oral contraceptive due to enzyme inducement (refer to BNF). 
  • Avoid monotherapy due to rapid emergence of resistant strains.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 150mg, 300mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Syrup 100mg/5mL

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 600mg

TEICOPLANIN

Therapy notes

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 200mg, 400mg

VANCOMYCIN

Therapy notes

  • For systemic infections where vancomycin is indicated, the intravenous route must be used. 
  • For intravenous use follow hospital guidelines. 
  • Drug levels require monitoring. 
  • Vancomycin is very poorly absorbed and should only be used orally in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea see antimicrobial guidance.
  • See: Clostridioides Difficile (CDI) Information pack for general practitioners
  • Vancomycin and teicoplanin are mainly reserved for treatment of known or suspected MRSA infection. 

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 125mg, 250mg

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Infusion 500mg, 1 gram

Editorial Information

Document Id: F265