Randomisation and masking
The randomisation was done by the biostatistician (J.W.) by computer generated code (1:1 allocation) which was stored in the Christchurch Hospital Pharmacy. The process and dispensing of the intravenous and oral preparations were performed by Christchurch Hospital Pharmacy under the direction of the study biostatistician (J.W.) to ensure those recruiting, enrolling and assessing outcomes were blinded to treatment allocation. The interventions were transported and stored in identical opaque packaging and accessed and administered only by the nursing staff assigned to care for the patient in the ward. None of the research staff was responsible for administering the interventions.