Mercer protocol

The Mercer protocol is a common regimen for antibiotic prophylaxis in the context of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) during pregnancy, when immediate delivery is contraindicated due to known or suspected fetal lung immaturity. It was first described by Mercer et al. in 1997.^[1]

Regimen

The protocol consists of two stages. First, intravenously administer ampicillin (2 g) and erythromycin (250 mg) every 6 hours for 48 hours. After 48 hours, administer oral amoxicillin (250 mg) and erythromycin (333 mg) every 8 hours for 5 days.

References

1. ^ Mercer, BM; Miodovnik, M, Thurnau, GR, Goldenberg, RL, Das, AF, Ramsey, RD, Rabello, YA, Meis, PJ, Moawad, AH, Iams, JD, Van Dorsten, JP, Paul, RH, Bottoms, SF, Merenstein, G, Thom, EA, Roberts, JM, McNellis, D (1997-09-24). "Antibiotic therapy for reduction of infant morbidity after preterm premature rupture of the membranes. A randomized controlled trial. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.". JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association 278 (12): 989–95. PMID 9307346.