From the Research
For a thorn bush prick to the hand, the most appropriate antibiotic coverage is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days, as it effectively targets both skin flora and environmental organisms that may be present on thorns 1. When considering antibiotic treatment for a thorn bush prick, it's essential to prioritize coverage for common skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, as well as environmental organisms that may be introduced by the thorn.
- The selection of an antibiotic should be based on factors such as microbiological data, site of infection, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic targets, as highlighted in a study on amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cephalexin dosing in children 2.
- A review of orally administered cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanate found that amoxicillin-clavulanate was the most active against Streptococcus pneumoniae, including penicillin-nonsusceptible strains, making it a suitable choice for treating infections that may arise from thorn pricks 3.
- The properties, indications, and usage of oral amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid have been re-examined, providing guidance on their use, with emphasis on the preferred use of amoxicillin alone, but also acknowledging the role of amoxicillin-clavulanate in empiric therapy for various infectious syndromes 1.
- While other antibiotic regimens, such as cephalexin or doxycycline, may be considered as alternatives, amoxicillin-clavulanate remains a first-line option due to its broad-spectrum coverage and efficacy, as demonstrated in a comparison of three prophylactic antibiotic regimens in clean-contaminated head and neck surgery 4.