From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The penicillinase-resistant penicillins are available for oral administration and for intramuscular and intravenous injection. Bacteriologic studies to determine the causative organisms and their sensitivity to the penicillinase-resistant penicillins should always be performed. 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 In severe staphylococcal infections, therapy with penicillinase-resistant penicillins should be continued for at least 14 days. Therapy should be continued for at least 48 hours after the patient has become afebrile, asymptomatic, and cultures are negative.
The treatment for a staph infection in the vagina is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, based on the information provided for treating severe staphylococcal infections, the following general guidelines can be considered:
- Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their sensitivity to the penicillinase-resistant penicillins.
- Duration of therapy should be determined by the clinical and bacteriological response of the patient.
- In general, for severe staphylococcal infections, therapy with penicillinase-resistant penicillins should be continued for at least 14 days.
- Therapy should be continued for at least 48 hours after the patient has become afebrile, asymptomatic, and cultures are negative. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as the provided information does not directly address the treatment of staph infections in the vagina 1.
From the Research
To treat a staph infection in the vagina, it is recommended to use a broad-spectrum antibiotic that covers enteric gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes, such as clindamycin cream applied vaginally once daily for 3-7 days, or oral antibiotics such as cephalexin (500mg four times daily), dicloxacillin (500mg four times daily), or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one double-strength tablet twice daily) for 7-10 days, as suggested by the most recent study 2.
Key Considerations
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the specific strain of Staphylococcus bacteria and its susceptibility to different antibiotics, as some strains may be resistant to certain antibiotics 3, 2.
- It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing treatment to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.
- While waiting for medical care, maintaining good hygiene by gently washing the area with mild soap and water, wearing loose cotton underwear, and avoiding douches or scented products that can irritate the area can help reduce discomfort.
- Applying warm compresses to any painful areas for 10-15 minutes several times daily can also help reduce discomfort.
Additional Treatment Options
- In cases with a severe atrophy component, local estrogens can be used, and in postmenopausal or breast cancer patients with a contraindication for estrogens, even a combination of probiotics with an ultra-low dose of local estriol may be considered 4.
- Vaginal rinsing with povidone iodine can provide rapid relief of symptoms but does not provide long-term reduction of bacterial loads 4.