What is the treatment duration for parotitis (inflammation of the parotid gland)?

From the Research

The treatment duration for parotiditis depends on its cause, with viral parotiditis typically requiring supportive treatment for 7-10 days and bacterial parotiditis requiring antibiotics for 7-14 days. The choice of antibiotic depends on the etiologic agent, with common choices including amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin, or cephalexin 1, 2. Severe cases may need IV antibiotics initially. Treatment should continue until all symptoms resolve and for at least 48 hours after improvement begins. Throughout treatment, patients should maintain good hydration, use warm compresses on the affected area, practice good oral hygiene, and take pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed.

Key Considerations

• Bacterial parotiditis requires prompt treatment to prevent complications such as abscess formation or sepsis, while viral cases are generally self-limiting but contagious 3.
• If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48-72 hours of starting treatment, medical reassessment is necessary.
• The most recent and highest quality study 3 suggests that a comprehensive patient-centered approach is necessary for the treatment of parotitis, taking into account the patient's overlapping clinical conditions, lifestyle, and work factors.

Treatment Options

• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125 mg twice daily) 4
• Clindamycin (300-450 mg four times daily) 1
• Cephalexin (500 mg four times daily) 2
• IV antibiotics for severe cases 1, 2

Additional Recommendations

• Maintain good hydration and oral hygiene throughout treatment 1, 2.
• Use warm compresses on the affected area to relieve pain and discomfort 1, 2.
• Take pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed 1, 2.