If sputum cultures confirm a bacterial cause or patient's condition is critical, antibiotics should be given. Amoxicillin 500 mg tid for 10 days is suggested until culture and sensitivity studies are available. Alternatively, erythromycin 500 mg qid may be given.
Look for atypical pneumonia.
Antitussive agents should not be given if cough is productive.
Sarah J. Thompson, MD
Online Diagnosis of Symptoms and Medical Diseases
Online Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders