Pleural effusion

 
Usual Pathogens

S. pneumoniae
S. aureus/MRSA
Group A Streptococci
H. influenzae
Enterobacteriaceae

 

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Ceftriaxone 100mg/kg IV q24h 2-4 weeks

If MRSA suspected/documented, add:

Empiric Therapy Dose Duration
Vancomycin 60mg/kg/d IV div q6h 2-4 weeks
or    
Linezolid < 5 years old: 30mg/kg/d IV/PO div q8h 2-4 weeks
  > 5 years old: 20mg/kg/d IV/PO div q12h