What is the appropriate antibiotic dosing for mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue)?

For mastitis treatment, dicloxacillin 500 mg orally four times daily for 7-10 days is the first-line antibiotic therapy. Alternatively, cephalexin 500 mg orally four times daily for 7-10 days can be used. For patients with penicillin allergy, clindamycin 300-450 mg orally four times daily for 7-10 days is recommended. Treatment should begin promptly after diagnosis to prevent abscess formation. In addition to antibiotics, continue breastfeeding or expressing milk from the affected breast, apply warm compresses before feeding, ensure proper latch technique, and take anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen 400-600 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain and inflammation. These antibiotics are effective against Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causative organism in mastitis. They achieve good tissue penetration in the breast and are generally safe during breastfeeding. If symptoms don't improve within 48 hours, or if the patient develops fever above 101°F, increasing redness, or fluctuance, they should seek immediate medical attention as this may indicate an abscess requiring drainage.