From the Guidelines
For a draining infected cyst, clindamycin is recommended as a first-line antibiotic treatment. This is based on the guidelines provided by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which suggest that clindamycin is an appropriate option for empirical coverage of CA-MRSA in outpatients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) 1. The typical dose of clindamycin is 300-450 mg orally four times daily for 7-10 days. Some key points to consider when treating a draining infected cyst include:
- The importance of proper wound care, including keeping the area clean and dry, and applying warm compresses to promote drainage 1.
- The need for incision and drainage of the cyst, especially if it is large or not responding to antibiotic treatment alone 1.
- The potential for other antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), doxycycline, or linezolid, to be used as alternative treatments, depending on the suspected bacteria and the patient's clinical response 1. It is essential to note that antibiotic therapy should be individualized based on the patient's clinical response and that cultures from abscesses and other purulent SSTIs are recommended in patients treated with antibiotic therapy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clindamycin is also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci Serious skin and soft tissue infections; septicemia; Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin
The antibiotic clindamycin is recommended for a draining infected cyst, as it is indicated for the treatment of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci 2.
- Key points:
- Clindamycin is effective against a range of bacteria that can cause skin and soft tissue infections.
- Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.
From the Research
Antibiotic Treatment for Draining Infected Cyst
- The choice of antibiotic for a draining infected cyst depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection 3, 4.
- For uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), cephalexin and clindamycin have been shown to be effective 3.
- Clindamycin is often used to treat MRSA infections, and it has been shown to be effective in treating retropharyngeal abscesses caused by MRSA 4.
- Amoxicillin and metronidazole have also been shown to be effective in reducing the number of bacteria in infected odontogenic cysts 5.
- The treatment of infected renal cysts may involve a course of antibiotic therapy, with indications for definitive operative intervention including chronic pain, recurrent urinary tract infection, hematuria, abscess formation, and/or impaired renal function 6.
Considerations for Antibiotic Choice
- The type of bacteria causing the infection should be considered when choosing an antibiotic 3, 4.
- The severity of the infection and the patient's overall health should also be taken into account 6, 4.
- The potential for antibiotic resistance should be considered, and antibiotics should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of resistance 7, 4.
Additional Treatment Considerations
- Drainage of the infected cyst may be necessary to resolve the infection 6, 4.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases, such as when the infection is severe or when there are complications 6, 4.
- Close follow-up and fastidious wound care are important for ensuring the resolution of the infection 3.