The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7319 p455
2 October 2004

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Oral amoxicillin for pneumonia

Oral amoxicillin is equally effective as injectable penicillin for the treatment of severe pneumonia in children aged 3–59 months, researchers have found.

Injectable penicillin is the recommended treatment for World Health Organization-defined severe pneumonia, but the authors say that in developing countries use of oral amoxicillin can decrease the risk of needle-borne infection and costs (Lancet 2004;364:1141).