Indications: staphylococcal bone and joint infections, peritonitis; endocarditis prophylaxis.

Caution discontinue immediately if diarrhoea or colitis

develops; hepatic impairment, renal impairment; monitor liver and renal function on prolonged therapy and in neonates and infants; pregnancy, breast-feeding, void rapid intravenous administration; avoid in porphyria.

Contra-indications: diarrhoea states.

Side Effects: diarrhoea (discontinue treatment), abdominal discomfort, oesophagitis, nausea, vomiting, antibiotic-associated colitis; jaundice; leucopenia, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia reported; rash, pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactoid reactions, Stevens- Johnson syndrome, exfoliative and vesiculobullous dermatitis; pain, induration, and abscess after intramuscular injection; thrombophlebitis after intravenous injection.

Dose: By mouth, 150–300 mg every 6 hours; up to 450 mg every 6 hours in severe infections;

CHILD, 3–6 mg/kg every 6 hours

By deep intramuscular injection or by intravenous infusion, 0.6–2.7 g daily (in 2–4 divided doses); life- threatening infection, up to 4.8 g daily; single doses above 600 mg by intravenous infusion only; single doses by intravenous infusion not to exceed 1.2 g; CHILD over 1 month, 15–40 mg/kg daily in 3–4 divided doses; severe infections, at least 300 mg daily regardless of weight.