From the Guidelines
For a mild buccal (cheek) infection, the recommended antibiotic course is clindamycin 300 mg four times daily for 5-10 days, as it provides coverage for both b-hemolytic streptococci and CA-MRSA 1.
Key Considerations
- The primary treatment for a cutaneous abscess is incision and drainage, and for simple abscesses or boils, incision and drainage alone is likely adequate 1.
- Antibiotic therapy is recommended for abscesses associated with severe or extensive disease, signs and symptoms of systemic illness, associated comorbidities or immunosuppression, extremes of age, abscess in an area difficult to drain, associated septic phlebitis, and lack of response to incision and drainage alone 1.
- For outpatients with purulent cellulitis, empirical therapy for CA-MRSA is recommended pending culture results, and clindamycin, TMP-SMX, a tetracycline, and linezolid are suitable options 1.
Additional Recommendations
- Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing twice daily and rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) 3-4 times daily.
- Apply warm compresses to the affected cheek for 15 minutes several times daily to improve circulation and reduce pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for discomfort.
- Drink plenty of fluids and rest.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever over 101°F, increasing swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if symptoms worsen after 48 hours of antibiotics.
Mechanism of Action
- Clindamycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis, effectively killing the bacteria causing the infection 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Duration of therapy varies with the type and severity of infection as well as the overall condition of the patient, therefore, it should be determined by the clinical and bacteriological response of the patient RECOMMENDED DOSAGES FOR DICLOXACILLIN SODIUM, USP IN MILD TO MODERATE AND SEVERE INFECTIONS
- Mild to Moderate ... Dicloxacillin 125 mg every 6 hours
The recommended antibiotic course for a mild buccal (cheek) infection is dicloxacillin 125 mg every 6 hours. The duration of therapy should be determined by the clinical and bacteriological response of the patient and should be continued for at least 48 hours after the patient has become afebrile, asymptomatic, and cultures are negative 2.
From the Research
Antibiotic Course for Mild Buccal Infection
- The recommended antibiotic course for a mild buccal (cheek) infection is not directly stated in the provided studies, but some information can be inferred from the studies on antibiotic usage and infections.
- For mild infections, metronidazole is suitable, as stated in the study 3.
- The study 4 mentions that beta-lactam agents, such as penicillins, are the drugs of choice for acute orofacial infections.
- Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has been shown to be effective in treating acute skin and skin-structure infections, as demonstrated in the study 5.
- However, it is essential to note that the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with antibiotic exposure, and the risk varies among different antibiotic classes, as reported in the studies 6 and 7.
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the severity of the infection, the causative pathogen, and the patient's medical history, including any allergies or previous antibiotic use.
Considerations for Antibiotic Selection
- The studies 6 and 7 highlight the importance of considering the risk of CDI when selecting an antibiotic, particularly for antibiotics such as clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins, which have been associated with a higher risk of CDI.
- The study 3 recommends fidaxomicin or vancomycin for CDI treatment, while metronidazole is suitable for mild infections.
- It is crucial to consult the latest clinical guidelines and seek medical professional advice for the appropriate antibiotic course and dosage for a mild buccal infection.