Bacterial Meningitis in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds and protects your child's brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and can be life-threatening. The most common symptoms include confusion, a high fever, stiff neck, and headache.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child is hard to wake.
• Your child has a seizure.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your child has a headache, fever, and stiff neck.
• Your child is confused.
• Your child says he or she has trouble seeing or hearing.
• Your child has a red or purple skin rash.

Call your child's doctor if:

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child is more fussy or sleepy than usual.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• cefotaxime
• Claforan

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
• Steroids decrease redness, pain, and swelling.
• Seizure medicine helps control seizures.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
• Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
• Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Help manage your child's symptoms:

• Help your child rest as much as possible. A dark, quiet room may help if he or she has headaches. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about when your child can return to school or daycare.
• Give your child liquids as directed. Your child may need extra liquids to help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him or her.

Help prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis:

• Wash your and your child's hands often. Use soap and water every time. Teach your child how to wash his or her hands. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
• Do not let your child share items. Examples include toys, food, and drinks.
• Ask about vaccines your child may need. Vaccines help protect your child and others around him or her from diseases caused by infection. Your child should get the meningitis vaccine at scheduled ages. He or she should also get a yearly flu vaccine as soon as recommended, usually starting in September or October. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you other vaccines your child should get and when to get them.

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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