Therapeutic Handbook - GGC Prescribing

Alert Antibiotic Policy(The full version of the Alert Antibiotic Policy and the Alert Antibiotic Form are available on StaffNet.)• The policy has been developed to limit the use of specific, valuable antibiotics which should bereserved for special circumstances (e.g. resistant organisms). These agents are rarely justifiablein community acquired infection.• The agents are identified by virtue of their broad spectrum of activity, potential toxicity and/or expense. In most hospital infections, first-line antibiotic therapy is appropriate, with “AlertAntibiotics” reserved for complex infections caused by organisms that are resistant to first-lineantibiotic therapy.• Table 1 on the following pages lists the alert antibiotics and their permitted indications. Theseantibiotics will only be issued from pharmacy on receipt of a completed Alert Antibiotic form.Process for authorising an “alert agent”• During weekday working hours (0900 – 1700 hours):- To obtain a supply, the “Alert Antibiotics Form” must be completed and sent to pharmacy withthe indent.- The form should be completed by prescribers, stating the indication (see next page for list).Clinical pharmacists can complete the form in conjunction with prescribers.- If an alert agent is being prescribed out with the permitted indications, the choice must bediscussed with a microbiologist or infectious diseases physician. The reason for use and thename of the microbiologist or infectious disease physician must be recorded on the form andmedical notes.• Out-of-hours (including weekends and public holidays):- The prescriber should complete the “Alert Antibiotic form”. Do not delay treatment if unable tocomplete the form; obtain an emergency supply and complete the form as soon as possible.- A 24 – 72 hour emergency supply can be obtainedInfectionsContinues on next pagePage 207