It would be easier and cheaper, and there would be less risk of cerebral oedema, if bacterial meningitis could be adequately treated without the intravenous administration of fluid. Fifty children with bacterial meningitis were treated with intramuscular injections of benzyl penicillin, probenecid given orally and chloramphenicol palmitate suspension given orally, and the outcome was evaluated prospectively. Seven (14%) of the 50 children died. In a control group of 50 children with bacterial meningitis treated with the intravenous administration of benzyl penicillin and chloramphenicol sodium succinate, the outcome was determined retrospectively. Twelve (24%) of the 50 children died. The difference in mortality rate was 10% +/- 15.7% (+/- 2 SE), which is not significant. Except in the rare case of a child with shock or persistent vomiting, bacterial meningitis can be effectively treated with six-hourly intramuscular injections of penicillin, and probenecid and chloramphenicol given orally.