14th June 2023

A 31-year-old male was seen by paramedics with a 2-day history of fever, headache, and non-blanching rash

A 31-year-old male was seen by paramedics with a 2-day history of fever, headache, and non-blanching rash. He has a history of asthma, for which he takes salbutamol. He is documented to have an allergy to amoxicillin which he reports causes a rash. A provisional diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is made.

Of the following choices, which is the most appropriate antibiotic to administer in the first instance?