| Level | Medication |
| ABACAVIR |
| 2 | 300mg 2x/d |
| ACETYLCYSTEINE |
| 1 | For 60kg: 9g over 15 mins, then 3g over 4hrs, finally 6g over 16hrs. |
| ACTH |
| 3 | For cortisol stimulation test. 1mg IMI. |
| ACYCLOVIR |
| 3 | Eye ointment: (Herpes keratitis) Topically 5x/d for 14 days |
| 3 | Intravenous (herpes encephalitis): 10 mg/kg 8hrly. For 75kg: 750mg 8hrly for 5d. |
| 1 | Oral (herpes zoster): 800mg 5x/d for 7d |
| 1 | Oral (herpes simplex) 400mg 3x/d for 7d |
| ADENOSINE |
| 3 | SVT termination 3-12mg IV as a rapid bolus |
| ADRENALINE |
| 1 | Anaphylaxis or arrest: 0.5mg IV slowly (dilute 1ml with 9ml saline) Repeat if needed. |
| 2 | Inotropic support: see text |
| ALBENDAZOLE |
| 2 | Intestinal tapeworms: 400mg/d for 3d |
| 3 | Neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease: For 60kg: 400mg 2x/d for 28d. (15mg/kg/d) |
| ALENDRONATE |
| 5 | Established osteoporosis: 10mg/d |
| ALLOPURINOL |
| 1C | Chronic gout: 100mg/d, increasing to 300mg/d. |
| ALPHACALCIDOL |
| 3 | Prevention of renal osteodystrophy in stable CRF: 1mcg/d |
| ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE AND MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE |
| 2 | Symptomatic Rx for dyspepsia: 1-2 to suck 3x/d |
| ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE 300mg/5ml |
| 4 | Renal osteodystrophy – but issues of aluminium toxicity |
| AMIKACIN |
| 3 | Nosocomial Gram negative sepsis. 1g daily (15mg/kg) for 10 days |
| AMIODARONE |
| 3 | Prophylaxis of VT and some SVTs: 200mg/d |
| 3 | Acute ‘loading’ in refractory arrhythmias: (60kg) 300mg IV over 1hr, then 900mg over 23 hrs |
| AMITRIPTYLINE |
| 1B | Neuropathic pain: 10mg nocte Can increase to 25 or 50mg nocte if necessary) |
| 1B | Depression: 75mg/d for 28d. Beware if suicidal ideation: intentional overdosing is quite common |
| AMLODIPINE |
| 1B | Poorly controlled hypertension: 5mg/d then increase to 10mg/d. |
| AMOXICILLIN-CLAVULANIC ACID |
| 3 | Suspected mild G-ve infection such as UTI in pregnancy: 1 g 2x/d for 5 days |
| AMOXICILLIN |
| 1 | 500mg 3x/d for 5 days |
| AMPHOTERICIN |
| 1B | Oral. Thrush: 10mg to suck 4x/d for 10 days |
| 2 | Intravenous. Cryptococcal meningitis: (60kg) 50mg/d for 14 days (1mg/kg/d) |
| AMPICILLIN |
| 2 | 1g 6 hrly IV for 5 to 7 days |
| AQUEOUS CREAM |
| 1 | Topically daily |
| ARTEMETHER/LUMEFANTRINE |
| 2 | Uncomplicated malaria. 20/120mg 4 tabs 2x/d for 3 days |
| ASCORBIC ACID |
| 1C | Scurvy 100mg 3x/d |
| ASPIRIN |
| 1B | Stroke, coronary syndromes: 150mg daily. |
| ATAZANAVIR |
| 4 | Alternative to Lopinavir/ritonavir if dyslipaemia. 300mg/d with ritonavir 100mg/d. |
| ATENOLOL |
| 1C | 50mg daily |
| ATORVASTATIN |
| 3 | Hypercholesterolaemia persisting after swith to atazanavir. 10 mg daily, |
| ATROPINE |
| 2 | Pre-procedure as prophylaxis for vagal events: 0.5mg IV once |
| 2 | Organophosphate poisoning (titrated infusion) e.g. start at 2mg/hr. Usually 3-4 days |
| AZATHIOPRINE |
| 3 | Steroid sparing immunosuppression. 150mg/d. 28 days |
| AZITHROMYCIN |
| 3 | Non-tuberculous mycobacteria 500mg daily |
| 2 | Immunocompromise with pneumonia; 500 mg daily either PO, or, if necessary, IV |
| 1 | Syndromic STI 1 g stat |
| BECLOMETHASONE MDI |
| 1C | 100mcg per puff: 1 - 2 puffs 2x/d. (Maintenance 200 mcg 2x/d, may need up to 400 mcg 3x/d |
| BENZOIC AND SALICYLIC ACID OINTMENT |
| 1 | Tinea corporis or pedis. Twice daily |
| BENZYL BENZOATE |
| 1 | Scabies. Apply whole body except head and neck. Wash off after 12 hours |
| 1 | Lice. Apply to affected areas and wash off after 24 hours. |
| BETAMETHASONE |
| 3 | Can be substituted mg for mg for dexamethasone (strictly, increase dose by 20%) e.g. 5 mg 3x/d PO |
| BEZAFIBRATE |
| 3 | Start 200mg/d, increase to 200mg 2x/d after meals as dictated by triglyceride levels. |
| BIPERIDEN |
| 2 | Acute drug induced dystonias: 2.5 mg IV repeat after 30 mins if necessary |
| 3 | Oral for parkinsonism - titrate from 1mg 2x/d to maintenance 2mg 3x/d |
| BLEOMYCIN |
| 3 | As part of Rx for Kaposi’s (with vincristine) 15 units fortnightly IV |
| BROMOCRIPTINE |
| 3 | Parkinsonism: start with 1.25mg daily, increase weekly to 2.5mg 3x/d |
| 2 | Prolactinoma: start with 1.25mg nocte, increase to 5mg nocte |
| BUDESONIDE INHALER |
| 2 | 200mcg per puff. 1-2 puffs 2x/d. 28 days |
| CALAMINE LOTION |
| 1 | Symptomatic for itch: topically prn |
| CALCIUM CARBONATE |
| 1C | Phosphate binder in CRF: 840mg (2 tabs) 3x/d |
| CALCIUM GLUCONATE IV |
| 1! | Symptomatic hypocalcaemia: 10ml slowly IV (may need an infusion – see text) |
| CAPTOPRIL |
| 3 | Hypertension, cardiomyopathy: 25mg 3x/d 28 days |
| CARBAMAZEPINE |
| 1 | Epilepsy and neuropathic pain: 100mg 2x/d, increment weekly to 400mg 2x/d. Max 1600mg/d |
| CARBIDOPA AND LEVODOPA |
| 2 | Parkinsonism: start with one 25/100mg tab 2-3/d, increase slowly to max 2 tabs 4x/d |
| 2 | The 25/250mg tab can be started at ½ 2x/d and slowly increased to 1 tab 4x/d |
| CARBIMAZOLE |
| 2 | Thyrotoxicosis: 20mg/d monthly, decreasing according to TSH/T4 and clinical response. |
| Will probably need radio-iodine if not controlled in 9-12 months |
| CARVEDILOL |
| 2 | CMO without oedema: start 3.125mg 2x/d start, increment weekly to 25mg 2x/d if tolerated |
| CEFAZOLIN |
| 2 | Prophylaxis - 1g within 60 minutes of starting the operation. If more than 80kg, give 2g as a single dose. |
| CEFEPIME |
| 4 | 1g 2x/d for 7 days |
| CEFTAZIDIME |
| 4 | Anti-pseudomonal activity: 2g 3x/d for 10 days |
| CEFTRIAXONE |
| 1C | Suspected gram negative infections: 1g daily for 7 days |
| 1C | Bacterial meningitis: 2g 2x/d for 10 to 14 days |
| CHARCOAL POWDER, ACTIVATED |
| 1 | 50g stat, repeat 6 hourly for 3 further doses in severe poisoning |
| CHLORAMBUCIL |
| 4 | Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: 2mg daily (see text) x 28d |
| CHLORAMPHENICOL |
| 1A | Topical eye ointment: |
| CHLOROQUINE SULPHATE |
| 2 | Rheumatoid arthritis and SLE: 150mg chloroquine base/d. Omit weekends. Yearly eye checks. |
| CHLORPHENIRAMINE |
| 1A | Anti-histamine: 4mg 3x/d for a month. Sedating. |
| CHLORPROMAZINE |
| 2 | Sedation: 25mg 3x/d for 3 days. Haloperidol safer for IM use, but its availability sometimes an issue. |
| CHOLESTYRAMINE |
| 3 | Itch due to jaundice. 2g 4x/d for 28d |
| 3 | Hypercholesterolaemia: titrate to 3g 4x/d |
| CICLOSPORIN |
| 4 | Preventing transplant rejection: wide dosing range (2-15mg/kg/d) e.g. 100mg 2x/d |
| CIPROFLOXACIN |
| 2 | UTIs and other G-ve infections: 500mg 2x/d for 5 days |
| CLARITHROMYCIN |
| 3 | H pylori as part of triple therapy – penicillin allergy or failed eradication See text. 500mg 2x/d for 7d |
| 3 | Mycobacterium avium complex therapy with ethambutol. See text. 500mg 2x/d for 28d |
| CLINDAMYCIN |
| 3 | Suppurative lung disease, sensitive soft tissue infections: 450 mg 3x/d PO for 10 days |
| 3 | For severe infections: 600mg 3x/d IVI for 10d |
| CLOFAZIMINE |
| 3 | Leprosy: 50 – 100mg daily (see text) x 28d |
| CLONAZEPAM |
| 2 | Status epilepticus: 1mg slowly IV, repeat once (monitor respiration) |
| 2 | Covering initiation of change in chronic epilepsy Rx: 2mg PO nocte for 28d |
| CLOPIDOGREL |
| 2 | 75 mg daily for 14 days for STEMI and 3 months for NSTEMI |
| CLOTRIMAZOLE |
| 1 | Vaginal candida and strep/staph species: 5g topically nocte PV for 5-6 days |
| CLOXACILLIN |
| 2 | Suspected staphylococcal infections: 1g 6 hrly IV for 14 days. In septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and surgical wound infections due to staph, use 2 g 6 hrly IV; for staph endocarditis, 3 g 6 hrly IV. |
| COLCHICINE |
| 1C | Gout prophylaxis: 0.5mg daily for 28 days (see text for Mx of acute gout) |
| CO-TRIMOXAZOLE |
| 1 | UTI: 2 tabs 2x/d for 5 days (sensitive infections are becoming progressively rarer) |
| 2 | Pneumocystis treatment: 4 tabs 4x/d (3 tabs 4x/d if less than 60kg) for 3 weeks |
| 3 | Pneumocystis unable to tolerate oral Rx (vomiting) 3-4 amps 4x/d for 3/52. Oral a.s.a.p.! |
| 1 | Prophylaxis in HIV: 2 tabs daily for 28 days |
| 2 | Toxoplasmosis in HIV: 4 tabs twice daily for 3 weeks |
| CYANOCOBALAMIN (Vitamin B12) |
| 2 | B12 deficiency. 1mg daily x 3d, then 1mg weekly x 3weeks, then 1m every 3 months. Per dose |
| CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE |
| 3 | SLE and other vasculitides: 1-2mg/kg per day. e.g. 100mg/d for a month |
| 3 | ‘Pulse therapy” (usually with methylprednisolone): e.g. 500mg over 4 hrs IVI daily for 3 days |
| DAPSONE |
| 3 | Leprosy: 100mg/d for 28d. |
| DESFERRIOXAMINE |
| 2 | 1g 4x/d for 1-2 days until urine no longer pink |
| DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP) |
| 3 | Diabetes insipidus: 10 mcg 2x/d (nasal spray) for 28d |
| 3 | Diabetes insipidus oral treatment: 0.1 mg 3x/d (100 mcg 3x/d) |
| 3 | Haemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease: 0.3mcg/kg in 100ml saline over 30 mins |
| DEXAMETHASONE (BETAMETHASONE) |
| 2 | PO: e.g. 5mg 3x/d for 10 days, then reducing. Intermittent availability. Cost of dose for first 10 days: |
| 2 | IV or IM e.g. 4mg 3x/d for 10 days, then reducing. Intermittent availability. Cost of dose for first 10 days: |
| DIAZEPAM |
| 2 | PO: rarely indicated. Short course only. e.g. 2mg nocte for 5 days |
| 2 | IV (NOT IM!) 10mg IV slowly |
| DICLOPHENAC |
| 2 | 50mg 3x/d for 28d |
| DIGOXIN |
| 1C | PO: 0.125mg/d if elderly, otherwise 0.25mg/d for 28d. Check renal function before starting it. |
| 2 | IV load: rarely necessary. Achieve acute load as easily with 0.25mg 3x/d for one day. |
| DOBUTAMINE |
| 2 | As infusion. See text for regimen. |
| DOPAMINE |
| 2 | As infusion. See text for regimen. Cost for one amp |
| DOXAZOSIN |
| 3 | Benign prostatic hypertrophy: start with 1mg nocte, increase slowly: e.g. 8mg/d |
| 3 | Severe hypertension requiring alpha blockade, up to 16mg/d |
| DOXYCYCLINE |
| 1 | 100mg daily for 7 days |
| EFAVIRENZ |
| 2 | 600mg nocte (400 if less than 40kg) for 28d |
| EMTRICITABINE/TENOFOVIR/EFAVIRENZ 200/300/600mg |
| 1C | ARV fixed dose combination – 1 tab daily |
| ENALAPRIL |
| 1C | Hypertension. Start at 5 mg/d, range 5 mg daily to 20 mg daily |
| 1C | Congestive cardiac failure. Start 2.5 mg/d; if tolerated then 5 to 10 mg 2x/d |
| ENOXAPARIN |
| 3 | DVT prophylaxis: 40mg SC daily - e.g. for 5 days |
| 3 | DVT Rx, acute coronary syndromes: 1mg/kg 12 hourly – e.g. 80mg 2x/d e.g. for 7 days |
| ERGOTAMINE AND CAFFEINE |
| 2 | Migraine: ergotamine 2mg stat, repeat at 30 and 60 mins if necessary. Not very effective. (Text) |
| ERYTHROMYCIN |
| 1 | 500mg 4x/d for 7 days |
| ERYTHROPOIETIN |
| 5 | Anaemia of CRF on dialysis: 40 IU/kg 3x/wk e.g. for 60kg 4000IU SC 2x/wk for a month |
| ESMOLOL |
| 2 | Titrate to response |
| ETHAMBUTOL |
| 1B | 15-20 mg/kg/d. e.g. 1.2g daily in a 70kg man. 28 d |
| ETHIONAMIDE |
| 2 | 15-20 mg/kg/d to max 1g per day. e.g. 1g daily for a 70kg man. 28d |
| FERROUS SULPHATE |
| 1 | Suboptimal adherence common because of GIT effects. Try 300mg 2x/d for 28 days |
| FLUCLOXACILLIN |
| 1 | 500 mg 4x/d for 14 days |
| FLUCONAZOLE |
| 2 | Oesophageal candidiasis in HIV: 200mg/d for 14 days |
| 2 | Cryptococcal meningitis acute phase: 400mg/d for 2 months |
| 2 | Cryptococcal meningitis secondary prophylaxis: 200mg per day until on ARVs with CD4>200 |
| FLUDROCORTISONE |
| 3 | Addison’s (with hydrocortisone): 100mcg/d for 28 days |
| FLUMAZENIL |
| 3 | Benzodiazepine antagonism: 0.2mg slowly IV |
| FLUOXETINE |
| 1B | 20mg/d for 28 d |
| FOLIC ACID |
| 1 | 5mg/d for 28 days |
| FORMOTEROL |
| 2 | Inhaler 12 mcg 12 hourly (if not responding to steroids plus oral theophylline) |
| FOSFOMYCIN |
| 2 | 3 g PO as a single dose (complicated UTI where carbapenems otherwise needed, or pregnancy UTI with penicillin allergy |
| FUROSEMIDE |
| 1 | 40mg/d for 28 days |
| 3 | 500mg/d for 28 days |
| 1 | The 40mg tabs are thus cheaper: for 480mg/d (12 tabs of 40mg) for 28d: |
| 2 | 80mg IV stat |
| 2 | 250mg IV stat |
| GANCICLOVIR |
| Biopsy proven CMV or +ve PCR with appropriate clinical picture: 5 mg/kg IV 2x/d for 14 days |
| GENTAMICIN |
| 2 | 5mg/kg/d e.g. for 60kg 320mg/d for 5 days (80mg amp) |
| GENTIAN VIOLET |
| 1 | Topically 0.5% |
| GLIBENCLAMIDE |
| 1 | Titrate dose. Start 2.5mg/d Final dose might be 5mg mane, 2.5mg nocte. For 28 d |
| GLIMEPIRIDE |
| 1C | For elderly/mild renal impairment where insulin not accepted. e.g. 1 mg mane |
| GLUCAGON |
| 2 | 1mg IM or SC |
| GLYCERIN SUPPOSITORY |
| 1 | 1 as necessary. Cost for one: |
| 1 | GLYCERIN THYMOL |
| Mild antiseptic mouthwash. Dilute with three parts water |
| GLYCERYL TRINITRATE |
| 2 | Infusion: 0.5-12 mg/hr e.g. at 2mg/hr for 24 hrs cost: |
| HALOPERIDOL |
| 1B | PO e.g. in elderly with dementia 0.5mg 2x/d for 28d |
| 1B | 5mg IM. Repeat as necessary. |
| HEPARIN |
| 2 | DVT treatment: e.g. 20 000 units 12 hrly SC for 7 days (see text) |
| DVT prophylaxis 5000 units 2x/d for 5 days |
| HEPATITIS B VACCINE |
| 2 | Non-immune health care workers: 1ml IM stat; 1ml after 1/12, and a 3rd dose of 1ml after 6/12 |
| HYDRALAZINE |
| 1C | Start with 25mg 2x/d |
| HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE |
| 1 | 12.5mg/d for 28 d |
| HYDROCORTISONE |
| 1 | 1% cream: Topically daily |
| 3 | Addison’s: 20mg mane, 10mg nocte for one month |
| 2 | Asthma: 200mg IV slowly. Subsequent dosing should be with prednisone unless can’t swallow |
| HYDROXYUREA |
| 3 | Chronic myeloid leukaemia and polycythemia vera: Dose to FBC response. e.g. 1g/d for 28d |
| HYOSCINE |
| 1C | Parenteral:10mg IM or IV as needed |
| 1C | Oral: up to 10mg 3x/d for cramps, but avoid in severe diarrhoea (may induce an ileus) For 4d |
| IBUPROFEN |
| 1 | Acute musculoskeletal pain syndromes: (e.g. gout, broken bones) 400mg 3x/d with food for 10d |
| 2 | Rheumatoid arthritis: while waiting for DMARDs to work. Up to 800mg 3x/d for 28 days |
| IMIPRAMINE |
| 1B | Neuropathic pain: 10mg nocte Increase to 25 or 50mg if needed Less sedating than amitriptyline |
| 1B | Depression: 75mg/d for 28d. Beware if suicidal ideation: intentional overdosing is quite common |
| IMMUNOGLOBULINS |
| 5 | Aplastic anaemia: antithymocyte globulin 40mg/kg/d I.V.I. for four days. If 60 kg this would be a total of 9.6g |
| 2 | Hepatitis B (post needlestick exposure): Hepatitis B immunoglobulin 500 IU I.M. within 48 hrs. Repeat after 28 days. (HepB surface Ab titre >100 IU/l is thought to confer adequate immunity, and so would mean that immunoglobulin not necessary) Ex Blood Transfusion service. |
| 4 | Guillain-Barre: lyophilised human immunoglobulin 0.4g/kg/day I.V.I. for 5 days, giving a total dose of 2g/kg. 3% solution – 12g in 400ml, i.e. if 60kg total dose is 120g (or 400ml 2x/d for 5 days) |
| 2 | Rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP): rabies immunoglobulin 20 IU/kg. (300IU/vial, so usually 4-5 vials, half around the wound if possible, and the rest by deep I.M. injection.) See text. |
| 2 | Tetanus: PEP – 500 IU tetanus immunoglobulin I.M. Clinical tetanus – 5000 IU I.M. |
| INSULIN |
| 1 | Short acting insulin e.g. Humulin R, Actrapid. 100 units/ml. |
| 1 | Intermediate acting insulin e.g. Humulin N, Monotard 100 units/ml. |
| 1 | 30/70 insulin (30% short; 70% intermediate-long) e.g. Actraphane, Humulin 30/70. 100 units/ml. |
| IPRATROPIUM |
| 2 | Inhaler: 2 puffs 3x/d for a month. COPD with reversibility |
| 1 | Nebuliser (as adjunct in acute asthma) e.g. 2ml with 3ml saline, neb 6x/d for 3 days |
| ISONIAZID |
| 2 | 5mg/kg/d to maximum of 300mg/d for 28d |
| ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE |
| 1! | 5mg sublingually prn for ischaemic chest pain for 28d (50s) |
| ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE |
| 1C | 20mg 2x/d. Allow a daily drug free interval to reduce tolerance development |
| ISPAGHULA HUSK POWDER |
| 2 | 5-10ml (one sachet) of powder mixed in water prn. Bulk laxative. For 28d |
| KANAMYCIN |
| 4 | MDR tuberculosis: as part of a 5 drug regimen. 15mg/kg/d to max of 1g IM daily. 28d |
| LACTULOSE |
| 1C | Hepatic encephalopathy: 20ml 3x/d to maintain 2-3 loose stools per day. 28d |
| LANZOPRAZOLE |
| 1C | Peptic ulcer disease 30 mg daily |
| LAMIVUDINE |
| 2 | 150mg 2x/d for 28d |
| LAMOTRIGINE |
| 3 | Refractory epilepsy. See text for dosing protocol. Maintenance for e.g. 100mg/d for 28d |
| LOPERAMIDE |
| 1 | Acute diarrhoea (afebrile, not dehydrated): 4mg stat, and 2mg after each loose stool; max 12mg |
| 2 | Chronic HIV associated diarrhoea – no cause found. 2mg 3x/d for 28d |
| LOPINAVIR-RITONAVIR |
| 2 | 400mg/100mg (2 capsules) 12 hourly with food |
| LORAZEPAM |
| 2 | Status epilepticus: 2mg stat, repeat twice at 10 minute intervals to max 0.1mg/kg total dose |
| LOSARTAN |
| 3 | ACE inhibitor intolerant – 50 to 100 mg daily. |
| MAGNESIUM |
| 2 | PO: magnesium chloride slow release, 535mg/tab. 2 tabs 3x/d for 28d |
| 2 | IM: 1g magnesium sulphate 4x/d |
| 2 | IV: 5g magnesium sulphate in 1l 5%DW over 4-6 hrs. (a 2ml amp of 50% is 1g) |
| MANNITOL |
| 2 | Raised ICP: 0.25-2g/kg over 30 mins. e.g. 100ml of the 25% solution is 25g. Beware rebound. |
| MEBENDAZOLE |
| 1 | Roundworm, pinworm, whipworm, hookworm: 500mg PO as a single dose |
| 1 | Tapeworm: 100mg 2x/d for 6 days. |
| MELPHALAN |
| 3 | Myeloma: 0.15mg/kg/d PO for 4 days. e.g. 9 mg/d for 4 days |
| MEROPENEM |
| 3 | 1g 3x/d IV for 7 days except for CNS infections and VAP, when 2 g 3x/d |
| METFORMIN |
| 1 | 500mg daily to max of 850 mg 3x/d with meals (avoid if eGFR < 50ml/min) |
| METHOTREXATE |
| 3 | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis. Work up to 15mg once per WEEK PO (i.e. 4 doses per month) |
| METHYL SALICYLATE |
| 1 | ‘Rubbing stuff’ topically as needed |
| METHYLDOPA |
| 1C | Only for hypertension in pregnancy. Start 250mg 2x/d PO. Increase to 500mg 3x/d for 28d |
| METHYLPREDNISOLONE |
| 2 | Intra-articular: (the acetate) Knees, shoulders 40mg; elbows 20mg; acromioclavicular 10mg |
| 2 | IM (the acetate): tenuous indications – perhaps acute asthma with poor adherence: 160mg stat. |
| 2 | IV ‘pulse’ therapy (as succinate) 500mg IV daily for 3 days. |
| 1 | METOCLOPRAMIDE |
| 1 | 10mg 3x/d PO or IM for 5 days |
| METRONIDAZOLE |
| 1 | Oral: 400mg 3x/d for 7 days |
| 1C | Suppository: 1g PR 2x/d for 7 days |
| 2 | IV: 500mg 3x/d for 7 days |
| MIDAZOLAM |
| 3 | Procedural sedation: 2.5 mg IV, give it a chance to work. Increments of 1 mg to total 5 mg. |
| 3 | ICU sedation. 0.03-0.2 mg/kg/hr after 2.5 mg load. e.g. for 60 kg at 0.05 mg/kg/hr for 24 hours: |
| MIANSERIN |
| 4 | Depression with contraindications to tricyclics. 30 mg nocte (10 mg nocte in the elderly) |
| MINOXIDIL |
| 3 | Refractory hypertension. Start 2.5 mg/d and increase, usually to about 20 mg/d. |
| MORPHINE |
| 1C | IV: dilute 10 mg to 10 ml by adding 9ml saline, then give 2.5 mg increments over 5 minutes, to 10 mg total. Be careful in the frail (HIV marasmus) and the elderly. |
| 1C | IM: 10 mg 4 hourly, increase to 15 mg 4 hourly if needed, and if respiration adequate |
| 1C | PO: Syrup - start with 5 mg 4 hrly, increase to 10, then 20 mg 4 hrly if needed. |
| 1C | PO: Tablets (controlled release) - 10 mg increasing to 20 or 30 mg 2x/d. e.g. 20 mg 2x/d |
| MOXIFLOXACIN |
| 3 | Penicillin/cephalosporin allergic patients with pneumonia and comorbidity. See text. 400 mg/d PO for 7d, or IV (same dose) if very ill. |
| NALIDIXIC ACID |
| 2 | 1g 4x/d for 7 days |
| NALOXONE |
| 2 | Opiate overdose: 0.4mg IV. May need repeating – naloxone wears off quicker than the opiate |
| NEOSTIGMINE |
| 2 | Diagnosis of myasthenia: 0.5 mg IM (premedicate with atropine) |
| NEVIRAPINE |
| 2 | 200 mg/d for 2 wks, then 200 mg 2x/d. For 28d |
| NICOTINAMIDE |
| 2 | Pellagra: 100 mg 3x/d for 28 days |
| NIFEDIPINE |
| 1 | Slow release: 30 mg/d. Replaced by amlodipine 5-10mg/d. |
| 2 | Nifedipine capsule: 5 mg stat for hypertensive emergencies. Seldom indicated. |
| NIMODIPINE |
| 4 | Subarachnoid haemorrhage: 60 mg 6x/d for 21 days |
| NITROFURANTOIN |
| 3 | 50 mg PO 3x/d for 7 days |
| 3 | Chronic suppression (recurrent UTIs) 50mg PO nocte for 28 days |
| NYSTATIN |
| 1 | Oral thrush: 100 000 IU (1ml) swirl around mouth before swallowing, 4x/d for 14 days |
| OFLOXACIN |
| 3 | 400mg 2x/d for 5 days (200mg 2x/d adequate for uncomplicated cystitis) |
| ONDANSETRON |
| Vomiting not controlled with metoclopramide 4mg IV over 5 mins daily. |
| ORPHENADRINE |
| 1B | Drug-induced parkinsonism. 50mg 3x/d for 28 days |
| OXAZEPAM TABLETS |
| 2 | Insomnia: 5mg nocte for 5 days |
| OXYMETAZOLINE EYE DROPS |
| 1 | Topically 2x/d as needed |
| PANCREATIN |
| 2 | Start with one capsule 3x/d, increase as needed e.g. 2 caps 3x/d for 28d |
| PARACETAMOL AND CODEINE |
| 2 | 500mg/8mg. 1g/16mg 4x/d for 10 days |
| PARACETAMOL |
| 1 | 1g 4x/d for 10 days |
| PAMIDRONATE |
| 4 | Hypercalcaemia of malignancy: 15 mg IV over 1 hr to max 60 mg (zolendronate cheaper at higher doses) |
| PERGOLIDE |
| 3 | Parkinson’s: 0.05 mg daily increasing slowly to max 0.5 mg 3x/d. e.g. 0.1 mg 3x/d for 28d. |
| PENICILLIN |
| 1 | Oral. Phenoxymethyl 500 mg 4x/d for 14 days |
| 1 | IM. Benzathine. Syphilis: 2.4 MU IM weekly for 3 doses |
| 1 | IM. Procaine penicillin. 2.4 MU (2.4g) IMI - NOT IV! This volume is 8ml. |
| 2 | IV. Crystalline (benzyl) Uncomplicated pneumonia: 2MU (=1.2g) IV 6 hrly for 5 days |
| 2 | IV. Crystalline Neurosyphilis, sensitive bacterial meningitides: 5MU (=3g) IV 6 hrly for 14 days |
| PERINDOPRIL |
| 1B | 4mg/d for 28 days (being replaced by enalapril) |
| PETHIDINE |
| 2 | 100 mg 6x/d IMI. (50 mg if small) Morphine is probably a better choice. e.g. for one day: |
| PHENOBARBITONE |
| 1 | PO: 30 mg tabs. Start 30 mg nocte, increase to 90 mg nocte. (Max 180 mg nocte) For 28 days |
| 2 | IV: Load 18 mg/kg at 100 mg/min e.g. 1.25g over 15 minutes in a 70 kg man |
| PHENYTOIN |
| 1 | Oral. 5mg/kg/d. e.g. for a 60 kg woman, 300 mg nocte for 28d |
| 2 | Intravenous load 18mg/kg at 50 mg/min. i.e. 1.25g over 30 min for 70 kg. Dilute in saline not DW. |
| PIPERACILLIN-TAZOBACTAM |
| 4 | 4g/0.5g 4x/d e.g. for 7 days. For Psuedomonas. Beware in CCF because of high Na content |
| PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE |
| 2 | Pre-splenectomy, HIV, COPD: 0.5ml SC or IM |
| POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| 2 | Bowel preparation. |
| POTASSIUM CHLORIDE |
| 2 | IV: (One 10 ml amp of 15% KCl contains 20 mmol): Max 2 amps (2x10 ml, 2x20 mmol) in 1 litre saline over 4-6 hours. More concentrated solutions or faster rates only with central line and cardiac monitoring, as the drug scleroses veins and causes arrhythmias. |
| 2 | PO: (A 600 mg tab contains 8 mmol K) e.g. 2 tabs 3x/d for 28 d |
| PRAZIQUANTEL |
| 2 | Bilharzia: 40 mg/kg as a single dose (e.g. four 600 mg tablets in a 60 kg person) |
| 2 | Neurocysticercosis: 50mg/kg/d for 14 d. e.g. 900mg 3x/d for 14d for a 60kg person |
| PREDNISONE |
| 2 | Highly variable dosing: 2.5-120mg per day. See text. For 30mg daily for 28d |
| PROCHLORPERAZINE |
| 1 | e.g. 5mg 3x/d for 5 days |
| PROMETHAZINE |
| 1 | e.g. 25mg nocte |
| 2 | 50 mg IM with haloperidol 5mg IM for sedating in acute confusional states |
| PROPRANOLOL |
| 1C | PO 20mg 2x/d increasing as needed to 80mg 2x/d for 28d |
| 2 | IV. Acute MI (see text about value of beta-blockade) 1mg over 1 min; repeat every 2 mins to max of 10mg. Available? |
| PROTAMINE |
| 2 | Reversal of heparin effect. Dose related to route and time since heparin given: a compromise is to give 0.5mg/100 units heparin. e.g. if gave 10 000 units 1 hr ago, Rx 50mg protamine IV |
| PYRIDOSTIGMINE |
| 2 | Myasthenia: Typical dose 60mg 5x/d, but start at 30mg. For 28d |
| PYRIMETHAMINE AND SULPHADOXINE |
| 2 | Uncomplicated malaria: 3 tabs stat. Probably shouldn’t be used on its own. |
| QUININE |
| 2 | Malaria (mild): parasitaemia <5% and well except for fever: 600mg 3x/d for 7 days |
| 2 | Malaria (severe): all the rest. Load 1.2g in 1l 5% DW over 4 hrs, then 600mg 8 hrly. See text |
| RABIES VACCINE |
| 2 | See text: 5 doses on days 0,3,7,14 and 30. |
| RANITIDINE |
| 1C | 150 mg PO 12 hourly; IV 50 mg 3 to 4x/d |
| RIFABUTIN |
| 3 | 150 mg PO 3x/week instead of rifampicin in patients on ATV/r or darunavir |
| RIFAMPICIN AND ISONIAZID |
| 1 | See text for dosing by weight. e.g. 2tabs /d for 28d. (Omit weekends) |
| RIFAMPICIN |
| 2 | Part of re-introduction regimen in patients reacting to combination Rx. Start 150mg/d. e.g.450mg/d x28d |
| RIFAMPICIN;ETHAMBUTOL;ISONIAZID;PYRAZINZMIDE |
| 1 | RHZE: dose by weight – see text. e.g. if 60kg, 4 tabs per day for a month |
| RITONAVIR-LOPINAVIR |
| 2 | HIV regimen 2 lopinavir 400 and ritonavir 100 2x/d with food. e.g. 2 caps 2x/d for 28d |
| SALBUTAMOL |
| 1 | Inhaler. 200 mcg (2 puffs) 3x/d. Prescribe one inhaler for 28d. If patient requests more check inhaler technique and consider more intensive preventer therapy |
| 1 | Nebuliser: 1ml of the 0.5% solution = 5mg. Rx 10mg 4x/d, e.g. for 3 days (see text) |
| SELENIUM SULPHIDE |
| 2 | Tinea versicolor (organism – Pityrosporum orbiculare): 2.5% Shampoo. Either leave on for 30 minutes daily for a week, or leave on for 24 hours once a week for 3 weeks |
| SENNOSIDES A AND B |
| 2 | 15mg (2 tablets) daily. For 6 doses as needed (12 tablets) |
| SIMVASTATIN |
| 2 | High CVS risk 10 to 20mg/d |
| SNAKE ANTIVENOM - POLYVALENT |
| 2 | See text for dosing. e.g. for 10 amps. |
| SODIUM BICARBONATE |
| 2 | See text for dosing. |
| SODIUM PHOSPHATE ENEMA |
| 2 | 135ml PR |
| SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULPHONATE |
| 2 | Hyperkalaemia: 15g orally or 30g rectally 4x/d. For 1 day |
| SPIRONOLACTONE |
| 2 | Cardiomyopathy: 25mg daily (creatinine <150) For 28d |
| 2 | Liver disease with fluid retention: see text. Start with 50mg/d; increment to 300mg/d For 28d |
| STAVUDINE |
| 2 | 30mg 2x/d (20mg 2x/d if < 60kg.) For 28d |
| STREPTOKINASE |
| 1C | Acute myocardial infarction: 1.5 million units in 200ml 5%DW or 0.9%saline over 30 mins |
| 1C | Acute pulmonary embolism: 250 000 IU over 30 mins, then 100 000 IU hourly for 24 hrs |
| STREPTOMYCIN |
| 1 | TB re-treatment: 750mg/d IM (15mg/kg/d) for 28d |
| SULPHASALAZINE |
| 3 | Rheumatoid arthritis: start 500mg/d increase slowly to 1g 2x/d For 28d |
| 3 | Ulcerative colitis: 1g 4x/d, decrease after a few weeks to 500mg 3x/d. For 28d |
| SUN PROTECTION CREAM |
| 2 | Porphyria cutanea tarda, SLE, and other conditions associated with photosensitivity. |
| TESTOSTERONE |
| 2 | Proven hypogonadism: Use the depot prep. (testosterone cypionate) 200mg monthly. |
| TENOFOVIR |
| 2 | Side-effects to standard ARV regimens. Not with didanosine. Discuss. e.g. 300 mg/d |
| TETRACOSACTIDE ACETATE |
| 2 | Testing for cortisol deficiency. 1mg IM – see text |
| THEOPHYLLINE |
| 2 | COPD: 60mg 2x/d for 28 days |
| 2 | Asthma: 200mg 2x/d for 28 days |
| THIAMINE |
| 2 | PO: 100mg daily for 28 d |
| 2 | IM: 100mg IM daily. Change to oral as soon as possible. For 1 dose |
| THIOPENTONE |
| 2 | Status epilepticus: 1000mg in 1 litre normal saline, titrate from 100mg (100ml)/ hour. |
| THYROXINE |
| 2 | Hypothyroidism: start 100 mcg/d (25mcg in the elderly, IHD, CCF) increase slowly to usual maintenance of 150 mcg/d; 28d |
| TRAMADOL |
| 1C | 50mg 4x/d to a maximum of 400mg/d |
| TRANEXAMIC ACID |
| 3 | 1g 4x/d. For 5 days: |
| VALPROATE |
| 1 | Epilepsy: start 200mg 2x/d, increase every 3 days to e.g. 1g 2x/d. for 28d |
| VANCOMYCIN |
| 3 | Infection due to methicillin resistant staphylococci or resistant enterococci 1g 2x/d IV Infuse each dose over 1 hour to reduce incidence of red man syndrome. e.g. for 10 days |
| VERAPAMIL |
| 2 | 40mg 3x/d For 28d |
| 2 | Slow release: one 240mg tab daily, increase to 480mg daily if necessary |
| VINCRISTINE |
| 4 | Kaposi’s in HIV (as adjunct to ARVs in individuals with life-threatening disease) See text. |
| VITAMIN B COMPLEX |
| 1 | PO. Combined deficiencies 2 tabs 3x/d for 28 days |
| 1 | IM. Rarely necessary. Water soluble vitamins are generally well absorbed. |
| VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE) |
| 1 | INH neuropathy: 50mg 3x/d for 28d |
| 1 | To prevent INH neuropathy 25mg/d for 28d |
| VITAMIN C |
| 1 | Scurvy: 300mg/d for a week and then 100mg/d for 28d |
| VITAMIN K (Phytomenadione). |
| Warfarin overdose (parasuicide): 10mg IV (IM only if INR still normal) 2 units FFP if active bleeding |
| On warfarin therapeutically (e.g. prosthetic valve) and over anticoagulated: 2mg IV. (2 units FFP if active bleeding) If not bleeding, just stopping the warfarin for 2-3 days is sufficient. |
| WARFARIN |
| 2 | 5mg/d according to INR 28d |
| ZIDOVUDINE |
| 2 | 300 mg 2x/d for 28d |
