This guide shares practical experience of the use of antimicrobials in an OPAT setting. We took an evidence based approach to create the guidance. We also used expert consensus and practical experience from across NHS Scotland.

The drug summaries do not provide specific treatment guidelines. Individual patient treatment should take into account the core principles of antimicrobial stewardship. This includes selection of the appropriate antimicrobial for the shortest duration with oral therapy being preferred, whenever possible.

For information on route and method of administration, contraindications, cautions and adverse effects and drug interactions please refer to the following approved resources:

• British National Formulary (BNF), https://bnf.nice.org.uk/
• Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/
• The Renal Drug Database, https://renaldrugdatabase.com
• NHS Injectable Medicines Guide (Medusa), https://www.medusaimg.nhs.uk/ or local IV Drug monographs
• Stockley’s Drug Interaction, https://www.medicinescomplete.com/

These resources also have more information on licensed indication, use in pregnancy and use in breast feeding. When using unlicensed medicines, and/or off-label doses or indications, follow local health board governance processes.    

It is strongly recommended that OPAT services in Scotland adhere to the Key performance indicators for the management of patients in an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) setting.

See the good practice prescribing guides for prescribing information of named antibiotics in OPAT settings. 

Refer to Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for more information on SAPG OPAT guidance.

Content updated: April 2024