Meningococcal prophylaxis for close contacts

Antibiotic administration to close contacts of a patient with confirmed meningococcal infection to eradicate carriage and prevent secondary cases.

ICD-10 Z20.81 drug

Also known as: Post-exposure meningococcal prophylaxis

Drugs used for this condition

ARifampicinFirst line · Antituberculous antibioticRifampicin 600 mg twice daily for 2 days is a first-line option for post-exposure meningococcal prophylaxis in close contacts. NICE NG240 2024 ranks rifampicin alongside ceftriaxone IM as a single dose and ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally as a single dose. Prophylaxis is started within 24 hours of confirming the diagnosis in the index case.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit