Meningitis: Medications

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Medications

Medicines used to treat meningitis are for:

• Bacterial infection.
• Seizures.
• Pressure on the brain.
• Fever.
• Muscle aches.

The decision about what medicine to use depends on the organism causing the infection, the extent of the infection, and the person's age and general health.

Medication Choices

Antibiotics to treat bacterial infection

Medicines to treat seizures

Medicines to treat pressure on the brain

Medicines to treat fever and muscle aches. The most commonly used medicines are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Common side effects include nausea or upset stomach. In addition, NSAIDs may cause ringing in the ears and blurred vision.

What To Think About

Your doctor will want to know which bacterium is causing your infection before prescribing antibiotics. A sample of spinal fluid or blood is tested to find out about the organism.

The type of antibiotic used and length of treatment depend on the bacteria, the extent of the infection, your age, and how likely you are to develop severe meningitis or complications during illness. Often two antibiotics are given together, such as ampicillin and gentamicin sulfate.

Antibiotics are not given for viral meningitis.

Last updated:	January 19, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC