CONCLUSIONS Injectable penicillin and oral amoxicillin are equivalent in the treatment of severe pneumonia in developing world areas in a controlled environment. Additional research is needed in a public health setting in rural and urban areas before these finding can be recommended for widespread implementation. Potential benefits of oral therapy for pneumonia include a decrease in the 1) the risk of needle-borne infections; 2) need for referral or hospitalization; 3) administration costs and 4) costs to the family. (word count 294).