Which drug is typically administered as the first dose for severe pneumonia treatment?

Ceftriaxone is the correct choice for the initial treatment of severe pneumonia in children, particularly in cases where the infection is caused by bacteria and there is a concern for serious complications. Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against various strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics.

In severe pneumonia, especially when there are signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress, the use of ceftriaxone is prioritized because it not only acts quickly but also effectively covers the likely pathogens involved. This choice is in line with guidelines which emphasize the need for prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe infections.

While other medications like amoxicillin and azithromycin are also used to treat pneumonia, they are generally reserved for outpatient settings or for specific types of pneumonia rather than for severe cases requiring immediate intravenous treatment. Cotrimoxazole is not typically recommended as a first-line therapy for severe pneumonia due to its limited effectiveness against the common bacterial pathogens in severe cases.