From the Guidelines
Cefaclor is not the recommended first-line treatment for impetigo, and its use should be considered with caution due to increasing resistance patterns and the availability of more effective options. For impetigo, the recommended first-line treatments are either topical mupirocin or retapamulin for localized infections, or oral antibiotics like cephalexin, dicloxacillin, or clindamycin for more widespread infections, as stated in the guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
- The typical adult dosage for cephalexin is 250 mg four times daily, while children may receive 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into three or four doses 1.
- The guidelines recommend oral therapy for ecthyma or impetigo with a 7-day regimen of an agent active against S. aureus, such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin, unless cultures yield streptococci alone, in which case oral penicillin is recommended 1.
- It is essential to note that cefaclor's effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, the common causative organisms of impetigo, may be compromised due to increasing resistance patterns, making it a less desirable option compared to other available treatments 1.
- Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly, and should keep the affected areas clean and avoid scratching to prevent the spread of the infection.
- The decision to use cefaclor or any other antibiotic should be based on the severity of the infection, the presence of any underlying medical conditions, and the potential for resistance, as well as the patient's individual needs and circumstances, as outlined in the guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes Cefaclor can be used to treat impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 2.
- Key points:
- Cefaclor is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes
- It can be used to treat skin and skin structure infections, including impetigo
- Culture and susceptibility studies should be performed to determine susceptibility of the causative organism to cefaclor 2
From the Research
Cefaclor for Impetigo
- Cefaclor is an oral antibiotic that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of impetigo 3.
- It is one of the several antibiotics that have been used to treat impetigo, including erythromycin, phenoxymethyl penicillin, and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 3.
- The choice of antibiotic may depend on the severity of the infection, the presence of resistant bacteria, and the patient's medical history 4, 5, 6.
Effectiveness of Cefaclor
- Cefaclor has been shown to be effective in treating impetigo, especially in cases where the infection is caused by streptococcal bacteria 3.
- However, the effectiveness of cefaclor may be limited by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria 4, 7, 6.
- Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin and fusidic acid may be equally or more effective than oral antibiotics like cefaclor in treating impetigo 7.
Treatment Guidelines
- The treatment of impetigo typically involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection 4, 5, 6.
- Cefaclor may be considered as an option for oral antibiotic therapy, especially in cases where the infection is extensive or resistant to other antibiotics 3.
- However, the choice of antibiotic should be guided by local resistance patterns and the patient's medical history 6.