From the Guidelines
For uncomplicated cellulitis, the most commonly used antibiotics are those that target Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, which are the predominant causative organisms, and first-line treatment typically includes cephalexin, dicloxacillin, or clindamycin for 5-7 days. The choice of antibiotic should be based on local resistance patterns and individual patient factors, such as penicillin allergy. In areas with high prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline may be preferred 1.
Some key points to consider when treating uncomplicated cellulitis include:
- The use of antibiotics that achieve adequate tissue penetration and have appropriate coverage against the common bacterial pathogens that cause cellulitis 1
- The consideration of extending treatment if the infection has not improved after 5 days 1
- The importance of elevating the affected area and monitoring for signs of worsening infection, such as spreading redness, increasing pain, fever, or systemic symptoms 1
- The potential for shorter courses of antibiotic therapy, such as 5-7 days, to be effective in treating uncomplicated cellulitis 1
It is also important to note that the treatment of cellulitis should be individualized based on the specific patient and the severity of the infection. In some cases, more severe infections may require longer courses of antibiotic therapy or hospitalization. Additionally, patients with underlying conditions, such as diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency, may require more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring. Overall, the goal of treatment is to effectively manage the infection, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve quality of life for the patient.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clindamycin is indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci Serious skin and soft tissue infections; infections of the female pelvis and genital tract such as endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection.
The most commonly used antibiotics for treating uncomplicated cellulitis are not explicitly stated in the provided drug label. However, based on the information provided, clindamycin can be used to treat serious skin and soft tissue infections, including cellulitis.
- Streptococci and staphylococci are common causes of cellulitis.
- Clindamycin is effective against these bacteria. 2
From the Research
Antibiotics Used for Uncomplicated Cellulitis
The following antibiotics are commonly used for treating uncomplicated cellulitis:
- Flucloxacillin, either alone or in combination with phenoxymethylpenicillin, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of cellulitis, particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom 3, 4
- Levofloxacin is also used, with a 5-day course of therapy appearing to be as effective as a 10-day course for uncomplicated cellulitis 5
- Cephalexin, with or without trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, is used for the treatment of cellulitis, although the addition of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole did not result in higher rates of clinical resolution in one study 6
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin are preferred empiric therapies for outpatients with cellulitis in areas with a high prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections 7
Key Findings
- The choice of antibiotic may depend on the suspected causative pathogen and local resistance patterns
- A 5-day course of levofloxacin may be sufficient for uncomplicated cellulitis 5
- The use of antibiotics with activity against community-associated MRSA, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin, may be preferred in areas with a high prevalence of MRSA infections 7