Table 3 Listed indications for Not Recommended fixed-dose combination (FDC) antibiotics on the Tanzanian 2021 National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT) [21]

Mild community acquired pneumonia

Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia

Lung abscess (with metronidazole)

Orbital cellulitis (with gentamicin and metronidazole and vancomycin)

Circumscript otitis externa

Herpes Zoster Opticus (with acyclovir)

Hematoma or laceration of the pinna (outer ear, assumed prophylaxis)

Nasal septal abscess and hematoma

Infection of cyst (thyroglossal duct, dermoid or branchial cleft) (with cephalexin)

Endodontic treatment for dental caries (with metronidazole)

Acute osteomyelitis of the jaw (with metronidazole)

Facial bone injuries (prophylaxis if suspected contamination of extensive damage)

Flucloxacillin + Amoxicillin (combination of penicillins)

Mastitis

Erysipelas/Cellulitis

Abscess in face or immunosuppressed patient

Uncomplicated cystitis

Ceftriaxone + Sulbactam (combination of BL + BLI)

Bacterial meningitis

Brain abscess (with metronidazole)

Brain abscess with S. aureus (as an addition to vancomycin)

Pediatric hydrocephalus (surgical prophylaxis in children)

Pediatric CSF shunt infections (with metronidazole)

Severe community acquired pneumonia

Hospital acquired pneumonia

Lung abscess

Septic abortion (second line treatment if amoxicillin-clavulanic acid fails, with metronidazole)

Chorioamnionitis (with metronidazole)

Puerperal sepsis (with metronidazole)

Surgical prophylaxis in caesarean section (with metronidazole)

Urosepsis (with gentamicin)

Abbreviations: BL + BLI = β-lactam antibiotic in combination with a β-lactamase inhibitor, PO = per oral, IV = intravenous