Respiratory tract infections—antibiotic prescribing: prescribing of antibiotics for self-limiting respiratory tract infections in adults and children in primary care

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

Care pathway for respiratory tract infections (RTIs)

• At the first face-to-face contact in primary care, including walk-in centres and emergency departments, offer a clinical assessment, including:
• history (presenting symptoms, use of over-the-counter or self medication, previous medical history, relevant risk factors, relevant comorbidities)
• examination as needed to establish diagnosis

• Address patients’ or parents’/carers’ concerns and expectations when agreeing the use of the three antibiotic
• strategies (no prescribing, delayed prescribing and immediate prescribing)

* Centor criteria are: presnce of tonsillar exudate, tnder anterior cervical lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis, history or fever and an absence of cough.

full guideline available from…
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA
guidance.nice.org.uk/CG69

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Respiratory tract infections—antibiotic prescribing. Prescribing of antibiotics for self-limiting respiratory tract infections in adults and children in primary care. Quick Reference Guide. July 2008