Comment from Expert Advisory Group
- Think sepsis for all patients who have recently delivered a baby who feel unwell or have pyrexia or hypothermia with uterine tenderness. If there are signs of sepsis refer to hospital urgently.
- Where postpartum endometritis is suspected, consider referral for admission.
- Postpartum endometritis can occur concomitantly with C-Section wound infection.
- For non-pregnancy-related acute endometritis see Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Treatment
| Postpartum Endometritis Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Table | |||
| Drug | Dose | Duration | Notes |
| 1st choice option | |||
| Co-amoxiclav | 625 mg every 8 hours | 10 days | Avoid in penicillin allergy |
| 2nd choice option / Penicillin Allergy | |||
| Clindamycin | 300 mg - 450 mg every 6 hours | 10 days | Caution: Risk C. diff |
Patient Information
- Visit HSE My Child website for further information.
- An information sheet on ‘Antibiotics and breastfeeding' is available from the Breastfeeding Network UK
- Further information on Antibiotics and Breast-feeding can be found on the Mother to Baby website (USA) (Search or Use Browse by Medications category).
Safe Prescribing (visit the safe prescribing page)
- Doses are oral and for adults unless otherwise stated
- Dosing in children quick reference dosage/weight guide
- Penicillin allergy – tips on prescribing in penicillin allergy
- Renal impairment dosing table
- Safety in Pregnancy and Lactation
- Drug interactions table.
- Visit the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website for detailed drug information (summary of product characteristics and patient information leaflets). Dosing details, contraindications and drug interactions can also be found in the Irish Medicines Formulary (IMF) or other reference sources such as British National Formulary (BNF) / BNF for children (BNFC).
Reviewed December 2024