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Aspiration Pneumonia
Often polymicrobial, including a combination of organisms associated with community acquired pneumonia (S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, MSSA/MRSA, H. influenza, M. catarrhalis), as well as oral aerobic and anaerobic organisms
Ampicillin-Sulbactam 200mg/kg/day (amp component) IV div q6h (max 2000mg of Ampicillin/dose)
Penicillin Allergic Patients:
Clindamycin 40mg/kg/day IV/PO div q8h (max 600mg/dose)
Empiric Therapy & Alternative Regimens
Duration of Therapy & Clinical Pearls
Important to differentiate from aspiration pneumonitis, which constitutes aspiration of sterile gastric contents causing respiratory distress 2-5 hours after aspiration typically and does not require antimicrobial therapy, versus aspiration pneumonia which does not develop as rapidly.
Length of Therapy:
7 days³
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