Sandbox ID Skin and Soft Tissues
Acne vulgaris
- Earliest form, No inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical tretinoin (cream 0.025 or 0.05%) or (gel 0.01 or 0.025%) once 24 hrs
- * Alternative regimen (1): Topical adapalene 0.1 % gel OR azelaic acid 20% cream OR tazarotene 0.1% cream once 24hrs
- Mild inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical erythro 3% AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid
- * Alternative regimen (1): Topical clindamycin 1% gel bid AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid
- Inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical erythro 3% AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid AND/ OR oral antibiotic
- * Alternative regimen (1): Oral doxycycline 50mg bid OR minocycline 50 mg bid
- * Alternative regimen (2): Expensive extended release: once daily minocycline 1mg/kg/d
Acne rosacea
- Facial erythema
- * Preferred regimen : Brimonidine gel applied to the affected area bid
- Papulopustular rosacea:
- * Preferred regimen : Azelaic acid gel bid topical OR Metronidazole topical cream once daily.
Anthrax, cutaneous
- Cutaneous anthrax
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin V 500 mg PO qid for 7–10 days
- Preferred regimen (2): Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO bid OR Levofloxacin 500 mg IV/PO every 24 hours for 60 days is recommended for bioterrorism cases because of presumed aerosol exposure
Bacillary angiomatosis
- Bacillary angiomatosis
- Preferred regimen: Erythromycin 500 mg PO qid for 2 weeks to 2 months OR Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 2 weeks to 2 months
Bite wounds
- Animal bite
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin-sulbactam 1.5–3.0 g IV every 6–8 h (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (3): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.37 g IV every 6–8 h (Misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (4): Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid OR 100 mg IV every 12 h (Excellent activity against Pasteurella multocida; some streptococci are resistant)
- Preferred regimen (5): Penicillin AND Dicloxacillin 500 mg oral
- Preferred regimen (6): sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 160–800 mg PO bid OR IV 5–10 mg/kg/day of TMP component (Good activity against aerobes; poor activity against anaerobes)
- Preferred regimen (7): Metronidazole 250–500 mg PO tid OR 500 mg IV every 8 h (Good activity against anaerobes; no activity against aerobes)
- Preferred regimen (8): Clindamycin 300 mg PO tid OR 600 mg IV every 6–8 h (Good activity against staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes; misses P. multocida)
- Preferred regimen (9): Cefuroxime 500 mg PO bid OR 1 g IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (10): Cefoxitin 1g IV every 6–8 h
- Preferred regimen (11): Ceftriaxone 1g IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (12): Cefotaxime 1–2 g IV every 6–8 h
- Preferred regimen (13): Ciprofloxacin 500–750 mg PO bid OR 400 mg IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (14): Levofloxacin 750 mg PO daily OR 750 mg IV daily
- Preferred regimen (15): Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO daily OR 400 mg IV daily (Monotherapy; good for anaerobes also)
- Human bite
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin-sulbactam 1.5–3.0 g IV every 6 h (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (3): Doxycycline PO 100 mg bid (Good activity against Eikenella species, staphylococci, and anaerobes; some streptococci are resistant)
Lyme disease, cutaneous
- Preferred oral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times per day
- * Preferred regimen (2): Doxycycline 100 mg twice per day
- * Preferred regimen (3): Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg twice per day 30 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- Alternative oral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline, 200 mg in a single dose
- Preferred parenteral regimen adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 2 g intravenously once per day
- Alternative parenteral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Cefotaxime 2 g intravenously every 8 hd d
- * Preferred regimen (2): Penicillin G 18–24 million U per day intravenously, divided every 4 h
- Preferred oral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day in 3 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- * Preferred regimen (2): Doxycycline Not recommended for children aged !8 years. For children aged 8 years, 4 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 100 mg per dose)
- * Preferred regimen (3): Cefuroxime axetil 30 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- Alternative oral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline, (4 mg/kg in children <8 years of age)
- Preferred parenteral regimen pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 50–75 mg/kg intravenously per day in a single dose (maximum, 2 g)
- Alternative parenteral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Cefotaxime 150–200 mg/kg per day intravenously in 3–4 divided doses (maximum, 6 g per day)
- * Preferred regimen (2): Penicillin G 200,000–400,000 U/kg per day divided every 4 h (not to exceed 18–24 million U per day)
Bubonic plague
- Bubonic Plague
- Preferred regimen: Streptomycin 15 mg/kg IM every 12 hours OR Doxycycline 100 mg bid PO OR Gentamicin could be substituted for streptomycin
Carbuncle
- Mild : Incision and Drainagee
- Moderate
- Empiric treatment
Cat scratch disease
- Cat scratch disease in patients > 45 kg
- Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg for 4 additional days
- Cat scratch disease in patients < 45 kg
- Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 10 mg/kg on day 1 and 5 mg/kg for 4 more days
Cellulitis
Ecthyma
Erysipelas
- Erysipelas (Adults)
- * Oral therapy
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin 500 mg orally every six hours
- Preferred regimen (2): Amoxicillin 500 mg orally every eight hours
- Preferred regimen (3): Erythromycin 250 mg orally every six hours
- Parenteral therapy
- Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 1g intravenously every 24 hours
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 1 to 2 g intravenously every eight hours
- Erysipelas (pediatrics)
- Oral therapy
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin 25 to 50 mg/kg per day orally in three or four doses
- Preferred regimen (2): Amoxicillin 25 to 50 mg/kg per day orally in three doses
- Preferred regimen (3): Erythromycin 30 to 50 mg/kg per day orally in two to four doses
- Parenteral therapy
- Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 50 to 75 mg/kg per day intravenously in one or two doses
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 100 mg/kg per day intravenously in three doses
Erysipeloid
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin 500 mg qid for 7–10 days OR Amoxicillin 500 mg tid for 7–10 days
Erythrasma
- Localized infection
- Preferred regimen : Topical clindamycin 2-3 times daily for 7-14 days
- Widespread infection
- Preferred regimen : clarithromycin 500mg PO bid OR erythromycin 250mg PO bid for 14 days
Fournier gangrene
- Streptococcus or clostridia : Pencillin G
- Polymicrobial : Doripenem OR imipenem OR meropenem
- MRSA suspected :vancomycin OR daptomycin
Furuncle
Gas gangrene
- Empiric antimicrobial therapy
- Preferred regimen : vancomycin AND (piperacillin-tazobactam OR ampicillin-sulbactam OR carbapenem)
- Culture directed antimicrobial therapy
- Clostridium perfringens
- Preferred regimen :
- Alternative regimen : erthromycin OR ceftriaxone
Glanders
- Glanders
- Preferred regimen: Ceftazidime OR Gentamicin OR Imipenem OR Doxycycline OR Ciprofloxacin is recommended based on in vitro susceptibility
Impetigo
- Impetigo, adult
- Empiric antimicrobial therapy (covering methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and β-hemolytic streptococci)
- Limited number of lesions
- Preferred regimen: Mupirocin topically bid for 5 days OR Retapamulin topically bid for 5 days
- Numerous lesions or outbreaks of post streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Preferred regimen: Dicloxacillin 250 mg PO qid for 7 days OR Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid for 7 days OR Cephalexin 250 mg PO qid for 7 days
- Alternative regimen (for penicillin-allergic patients): Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 7 days OR Clindamycin 300–400 mg PO qid for 7 days OR Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 1–2 double-strength tablets PO bid for 7 days
- Culture-directed antimicrobial therapy
- Streptococcus alone
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin V 250–500 mg PO qid for 7 days
- Alternative regimen (for penicillin-allergic patients): Erythromycin 250 mg PO qid for 7 days OR Clindamycin 300–400 mg PO qid for 7 days
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Preferred regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 7 days OR Clindamycin 300–450 mg PO qid for 7 days OR Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 1–2 double-strength tablets PO bid for 7 days
- Impetigo, pediatric
- Empiric antimicrobial therapy (covering methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and β-hemolytic streptococci)
- Limited number of lesions
- Preferred regimen: Mupirocin topically bid for 5 days OR Retapamulin topically bid for 5 days
- Numerous lesions or outbreaks of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Preferred regimen: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 25 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component PO bid for 7 days OR Cephalexin 25–50 mg/kg/day PO tid–qid for 7 days
- Alternative regimen (for penicillin-allergic patients): Clindamycin 25–30 mg/kg/day PO tid for 7 days OR Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 8–12 mg/kg/day PO bid for 7 days
- Culture-directed antimicrobial therapy
- Streptococcus alone
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin V 60,000–100,000 U/kg PO qid for 7 days
- Alternative regimen (for penicillin-allergic patients): Erythromycin 40 mg/kg/day PO tid–qid for 7 days OR Clindamycin 20 mg/kg/day PO tid for 7 days
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Preferred regimen: Clindamycin 25–30 mg/kg/day PO tid for 7 days OR Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 8–12 mg/kg/day PO bid for 7 days
Lyme disease, cutaneous
Mastitis
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), 875 mg twice daily
- Preferred regimen (2): Cephalexin (Keflex),500 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (3): Ciprofloxacin (Cipro),500 mg twice daily
- Preferred regimen (4): Clindamycin (Cleocin),300 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (5): Dicloxacillin (Dynapen, brand no longer available in the United States), 500 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (6): Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra),*† 160 mg/800 mg twice daily
Necrotizing fasciitis
- Mixed infections, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.37 g every 6–8 h IV AND vancomycin IV 30 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses (Severe Pencillin allergy: Clindamycin or metronidazole with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone)
- Preferred regimen (2): Imipenem-cilastatin 1 g every 6–8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Meropenem 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Ertapenem 1 g daily IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Cefotaxime2 g every 6 h IV AND (metronidazole500 mg every 6 h IV OR clindamycin600–900 mg every 8 h IV)
- Mixed infections, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Piperacillin-tazobactam 60–75 mg/kg/dose of the piperacillin component every 6 h IV AND vancomycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Clindamycin or metronidazole with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone)
- Preferred regimen (2): Meropenem 20 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Ertapenem 15 mg/kg/dose every 12 h IV for children 3 mo-12 y
- Preferred regimen (4): Cefotaxime50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IVAND (metronidazole7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IVOR clindamycin10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV)
- Streptococcus, adult
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin 2–4 million units every 4–6 h IV (adult) AND clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Streptococcus, pediatric
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin60 000–100 000 units/kg/dose every 6 h IV AND clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Staphylococcus aureus, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 1–2 g every 4 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Preferred regimen (2): Oxacillin 1–2 g every 4 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cefazolin 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Vancomycin 30 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV
- Staphylococcus aureus, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Preferred regimen (2): Oxacillin 50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cefazolin 33 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Vancomycin 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Bacteriostatic; potential cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA)
- Clostridium species, adult
- Preferred regimen: Clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV AND penicillin 2–4 million units every 4–6 h IV
- Clostridium species, pediatric
- Preferred regimen: Clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV AND penicillin 60 000–100 00 units/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Aeromonas hydrophila, adult
- Preferred regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h IV AND (ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 h IV OR ceftriaxone 1 to 2 g every 24 h IV)
- Aeromonas hydrophila, pediatric
(Not recommended for children but may need to use in life-threatening situations)
- Vibrio vulnificus, adult
- Preferred regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h IV AND ceftriaxone 1 g qid IV OR cefotaxime 2 g tid IV
- Vibrio vulnificus, pediatric
Not recommended for children but may need to use in life-threatening situation
Pilonidal cyst
- Preferred regimen : A 5-10 day course of antibiotic active against pathogens isolated.
Pyomyositis
Seborrheic dermatitis
- Antifungal agents
- Preferred regimen (1): Ketoconazole 2% in shampoo, foam, gel, or cream‡ Scalp: twice/wk for clearance, then once/wk or every other wk for maintenance; other areas: from twice daily to twice/wk for clearance, then from twice/wk to once every other wk for maintenance
- Preferred regimen (2): Bifonazole 1% in shampoo or cream Scalp: 3 times/wk for clearance; other areas: once daily for clearance
- Preferred regimen (3): Ciclopirox olamine (also called ciclopirox) 1.0% or 1.5% in shampoo or cream Scalp: twice to 3 times/wk for clearance, then once/wk or every 2 wk for maintenance; other areas: twice daily for clearance, then once daily for maintenance
- Corticosteroids
- Preferred regimen (1): Hydrocortisone 1% in cream Areas other than scalp: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (2): Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% in lotion Scalp and other areas: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (3): Clobetasol 17- butyrate 0.05% in cream Areas other than scalp: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (4): Clobetasol dipro- pionate 0.05% in shampoo Scalp: twice weekly in a short- contact fashion (up to 10 min application, then washing)
- Preferred regimen (5): Desonide 0.05% in lotion Scalp and other areas of skin: twice daily
- Lithium salts
- Preferred regimen: Lithium succinate AND zinc sulfate Ointment containing 8% lithium succinate plus 0.05% zinc sulfate
- Preferred regimen: Lithium gluconate 8% in gel Areas other than scalp: twice daily
Skin and soft tissue infection in neutropenic fever
Skin and soft tissue infection in cellular immunodeficiency
Surgical site infection
- Surgery of intestinal or genitourinary tract
- Single-drug regimens
- Preferred regimen (1): Ticarcillin-clavulanate 3.1 g every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 g every 6 h OR 4.5 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Imipenem-cilastatin 500 mg every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Meropenem 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Ertapenem 1 g every 24 h IV
- Combination regimens
- Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 1 g every 24 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (2): IV Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV every 12 h or 750 mg po every 12 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (3): IV Levofloxacin 750 mg IV every 24 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (4): IV Ampicillin-sulbactam 3 g every 6 h AND gentamicin OR tobramycin 5 mg/kg every 24 h IV
- Surgery of trunk or extremity away from axilla or perineum
- Preferred regimen (1): Oxacillin or nafcillin 2 g every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 0.5–1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cephalexin 500 mg every 6 h po
- Preferred regimen (4): SMX-TMP 160–800 mg po every 6 h
- Preferred regimen (5): Vancomycin 15 mg/kg every 12 h IV
- Surgery of axilla or perineum
- Preferred regimen: Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h IV AND (Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV every 12 h OR Ciprofloxacin 750 mg po every 12 h OR Levofloxacin 750 mg every 24 h IV/PO OR Ceftriaxone 1 g every 24 h)
Tularemia
- Tularemia
- Preferred regimen (1): Streptomycin 15 mg/kg every 12 hours IM OR Gentamicin 1.5 mg/kg every 8 hours IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Tetracycline 500 mg qid OR doxycycline 100 mg bid PO (for mild cases)
Vascular insufficieny ulcer
- Preferred regimen : Imipenem OR meropenem OR doripenem OR ticarcillin-clavulanate
Vibrio infection
Wound infection
- Mild to moderate
- * Preferred regimen : TMP-SMX double strength 1-2 tabs PO bid OR clindamycin 300-450 mg PO tid
- * Alternate regimen : Minocycline 100mg PO bid OR linezolid 600mg PO bid
- Febrile with sepsis
- * Preferred regimen : (Ticarcillin-clavulanate 3.1 gm IV q4-6hr OR piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 gm q 6hr OR doripenem500 mg IV q 8hr OR imipenem OR meropenem OR ertapenem 1gm IV q24 hr) AND vancomycin 1gm IV q12h
- * Alternate regimen : (vancomycin 1gm IV q12h OR daptomycin 6mg/kg iv q24h OR ceftaroline 600mg IV q12h OR telavancin 10mg/kg IV q24h) AND (ciprofloxacin OR levofloxacin 750mg IV q24h
Yaws
- Preferred regimen (1): Phenoxymethylpenicillin 7–10 d; 12.5 mg/kg q6h (maximum dose, 300 mg q6h)
- Preferred regimen (2): Tetracyclines 15 d; tetracycline 500 mg q6h or doxycycline 100 mg q12h Alternative agents for the treatment of yaws in nonpregnant adults
- Preferred regimen (3): Erythromycin 15 d; 8–10 mg/kg q6h
- Preferred regimen (4): Azithromycin Single-dose; 30 mg/kg (maximum dose 2 g)
Staphylococcal and streptococcal skin and soft tissue infections
- Impetigo (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus), adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Dicloxacillin 250 mg PO qid
- Preferred regimen (2): Cephalexin 250 mg PO qid
- Preferred regimen (3): Erythromycin 250 mg qid PO (some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes may be resistant)
- Preferred regimen (4): Clindamycin 300–400 mg qid PO
- Preferred regimen (5): Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875/125 mg bid po
- Preferred regimen (6): Retapamulin ointment applied to lesions bid (for patients with limited number of lesions)
- Preferred regimen (7): Mupirocin ointment applied to lesions bid (for patients with limited number of lesions)
- Impetigo (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus), pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Cephalexin 25–50 mg/kg/d in 3–4 divided doses PO
- Preferred regimen (2): Erythromycin 40 mg/kg/d in 3–4 divided doses PO (some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes may be resistant)
- Preferred regimen (3): Clindamycin 20 mg/kg/d in 3 divided doses PO
- Preferred regimen (4): Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 25 mg/kg/d of the Amoxicillin component in 2 divided doses PO
- Preferred regimen (5): Retapamulin ointment applied to lesions bid (for patients with limited number of lesions)
- Preferred regimen (6): Mupirocin ointment applied to lesions bid (for patients with limited number of lesions)
- MSSA SSTI, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 1-2 g every 4 h IV OR Oxacillin 1-2 g every 4 h IV (parental drug of choice; inactive against MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 40 mg/kg/d in 3–4 divided doses PO (some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes may be resistant)
- Preferred regimen (3): Clindamycin 600 mg every 8 h IV OR 300–450 mg qid po (bacteriostatic; potential of cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (4): Dicloxacillin 500 mg qid po (Oral agent of choice for methicillin-susceptible strains in adults. Not used much in pediatrics)
- Preferred regimen (5): Cephalexin 500 mg qid po (for penicillin-allergic patients except those with immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The availability of a suspension and requirement for less frequent dosing)
- Preferred regimen (6): Doxycycline OR Minocycline 100 mg bid po (bacteriostatic; limited recent clinical experience)
- Preferred regimen (7): Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 1–2 double strength tablets bid po (bactericidal; efficacy poorly documented)
- MSSA SSTI, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 100–150 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses IV OR Oxacillin 100–150 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses IV (parental drug of choice; inactive against MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 40 mg/kg/d in 3–4 divided doses PO (some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes may be resistant)
- Preferred regimen (3): Clindamycin 25–40 mg/kg/d in 3 divided doses IV OR 25–30 mg/kg/d in 3 divided doses po (bacteriostatic; potential of cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (4): Dicloxacillin 25–50 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses po (oral agent of choice for methicillin-susceptible strains in adults; not used much in pediatrics)
- Preferred regimen (5): Cephalexin 25–50 mg/kg/d 4 divided doses po (for penicillin-allergic patients except those with immediate hypersensitivity reactions; the availability of a suspension and requirement for less frequent dosing)
- Preferred regimen (6): Doxycycline OR Minocycline (not recommended for age < 8 y; bacteriostatic; limited recent clinical experience)
- Preferred regimen (7): Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 8–12 mg/kg (based on Trimethoprim component) in either 4 divided doses IV or 2 divided doses po (bactericidal; efficacy poorly documented)
- MRSA SSTI, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Vancomycin 30 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses IV (for penicillin allergic patients; parenteral drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Linezolid 600 mg every 12 h IV or 600 mg bid po (bacteriostatic; limited clinical experience; no crossresistance with other antibiotic classes; expensive)
- Preferred regimen (3): Clindamycin 600 mg every 8 h IV or 300–450 mg qid po (bacteriostatic; potential of cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (4): Daptomycin 4 mg/kg every 24 h IV (bactericidal; possible myopathy)
- Preferred regimen (5): Ceftaroline 600 mg bid IV (bactericidal)
- Preferred regimen (6): Doxycycline OR Minocycline 100 mg bid po (bacteriostatic; limited recent clinical experience)
- Preferred regimen (7): Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 1–2 double strength tablets bid po (bactericidal; limited published efficacy data)
- MRSA SSTI, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Vancomycin 40 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses IV (for penicillin allergic patients; parenteral drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Linezolid 10 mg/kg every 12 h IV or po for children < 12 y (bacteriostatic; limited clinical experience; no crossresistance with other antibiotic classes; expensive)
- Preferred regimen (3): Clindamycin 25–40 mg/kg/d in 3 divided doses IV or 30–40 mg/kg/d in 3 divided doses po (bacteriostatic; potential of cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA; important option for children)
- Preferred regimen (4): Doxycycline OR Minocycline (not recommended for age < 8 y; bacteriostatic; limited recent clinical experience)
- Preferred regimen (5): Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 8–12 mg/kg/d (based on Trimethoprim component) in either 4 divided doses IV or 2 divided doses po
- Streptococcal skin infections, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin 2–4 million units every 4–6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Nafcillin 1–2 g every 4– 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Cefazolin 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Penicillin VK 250–500 mg every 6 h po
- Preferred regimen (6): Cephalexin 500 mg every 6 h po
- Streptococcal skin infections, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin 60,000–100,000 units/kg/dose q6h
Incisional surgical site infections
(table 3)
- Surgery of intestinal or genitourinary tract
- Single-drug regimens
- Preferred regimen (1): Ticarcillin-clavulanate 3.1 g every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 g every 6 h OR 4.5 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Imipenem-cilastatin 500 mg every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Meropenem 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Ertapenem 1 g every 24 h IV
- Combination regimens
- Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 1 g every 24 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (2): IV Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV every 12 h or 750 mg po every 12 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (3): IV Levofloxacin 750 mg IV every 24 h AND metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h
- Preferred regimen (4): IV Ampicillin-sulbactam 3 g every 6 h AND gentamicin OR tobramycin 5 mg/kg every 24 h IV
- Surgery of trunk or extremity away from axilla or perineum
- Preferred regimen (1): Oxacillin or nafcillin 2 g every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Cefazolin 0.5–1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cephalexin 500 mg every 6 h po
- Preferred regimen (4): SMX-TMP 160–800 mg po every 6 h
- Preferred regimen (5): Vancomycin 15 mg/kg every 12 h IV
- Surgery of axilla or perineum
- Preferred regimen: Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 h IV AND (Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV every 12 h OR Ciprofloxacin 750 mg po every 12 h OR Levofloxacin 750 mg every 24 h IV/PO OR Ceftriaxone 1 g every 24 h)
Necrotizing infections of the skin, fascia, and muscle
(table 4)
- Mixed infections, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.37 g every 6–8 h IV AND vancomycin IV 30 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses (Severe Pencillin allergy: Clindamycin or metronidazole with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone)
- Preferred regimen (2): Imipenem-cilastatin 1 g every 6–8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Meropenem 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Ertapenem 1 g daily IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Cefotaxime2 g every 6 h IV AND (metronidazole500 mg every 6 h IV OR clindamycin600–900 mg every 8 h IV)
- Mixed infections, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Piperacillin-tazobactam 60–75 mg/kg/dose of the piperacillin component every 6 h IV AND vancomycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Clindamycin or metronidazole with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone)
- Preferred regimen (2): Meropenem 20 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Ertapenem 15 mg/kg/dose every 12 h IV for children 3 mo-12 y
- Preferred regimen (4): Cefotaxime50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IVAND (metronidazole7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IVOR clindamycin10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV)
- Streptococcus, adult
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin 2–4 million units every 4–6 h IV (adult) AND clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Streptococcus, pediatric
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin60 000–100 000 units/kg/dose every 6 h IV AND clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Staphylococcus aureus, adult
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 1–2 g every 4 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Preferred regimen (2): Oxacillin 1–2 g every 4 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cefazolin 1 g every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Vancomycin 30 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV
- Staphylococcus aureus, pediatric
- Preferred regimen (1): Nafcillin 50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV (Severe Pencillin allergy: Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin)
- Preferred regimen (2): Oxacillin 50 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (3): Cefazolin 33 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV
- Preferred regimen (4): Vancomycin 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Preferred regimen (5): Clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV (Bacteriostatic; potential cross-resistance and emergence of resistance in erythromycin-resistant strains; inducible resistance in MRSA)
- Clostridium species, adult
- Preferred regimen: Clindamycin 600–900 mg every 8 h IV AND penicillin 2–4 million units every 4–6 h IV
- Clostridium species, pediatric
- Preferred regimen: Clindamycin 10–13 mg/kg/dose every 8 h IV AND penicillin 60 000–100 00 units/kg/dose every 6 h IV
- Aeromonas hydrophila, adult
- Preferred regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h IV AND (ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 h IV OR ceftriaxone 1 to 2 g every 24 h IV)
- Aeromonas hydrophila, pediatric
(Not recommended for children but may need to use in life-threatening situations)
- Vibrio vulnificus, adult
- Preferred regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h IV AND ceftriaxone 1 g qid IV OR cefotaxime 2 g tid IV
- Vibrio vulnificus, pediatric
Not recommended for children but may need to use in life-threatening situation
Infections following animal or human bites
(table 5)
- Animal bite
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin-sulbactam 1.5–3.0 g IV every 6–8 h (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (3): Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.37 g IV every 6–8 h (Misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (4): Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid OR 100 mg IV every 12 h (Excellent activity against Pasteurella multocida; some streptococci are resistant)
- Preferred regimen (5): Penicillin AND Dicloxacillin 500 mg oral
- Preferred regimen (6): sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 160–800 mg PO bid OR IV 5–10 mg/kg/day of TMP component (Good activity against aerobes; poor activity against anaerobes)
- Preferred regimen (7): Metronidazole 250–500 mg PO tid OR 500 mg IV every 8 h (Good activity against anaerobes; no activity against aerobes)
- Preferred regimen (8): Clindamycin 300 mg PO tid OR 600 mg IV every 6–8 h (Good activity against staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes; misses P. multocida)
- Preferred regimen (9): Cefuroxime 500 mg PO bid OR 1 g IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (10): Cefoxitin 1g IV every 6–8 h
- Preferred regimen (11): Ceftriaxone 1g IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (12): Cefotaxime 1–2 g IV every 6–8 h
- Preferred regimen (13): Ciprofloxacin 500–750 mg PO bid OR 400 mg IV every 12 h
- Preferred regimen (14): Levofloxacin 750 mg PO daily OR 750 mg IV daily
- Preferred regimen (15): Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO daily OR 400 mg IV daily (Monotherapy; good for anaerobes also)
- Human bite
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin-sulbactam 1.5–3.0 g IV every 6 h (Some gram-negative rods are resistant; misses MRSA)
- Preferred regimen (3): Doxycycline PO 100 mg bid (Good activity against Eikenella species, staphylococci, and anaerobes; some streptococci are resistant)
Cat scratch disease
- Cat scratch disease in patients > 45 kg
- Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg for 4 additional days
- Cat scratch disease in patients < 45 kg
- Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 10 mg/kg on day 1 and 5 mg/kg for 4 more days
Bacillary angiomatosis
- Bacillary angiomatosis
- Preferred regimen: Erythromycin 500 mg PO qid for 2 weeks to 2 months OR Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 2 weeks to 2 months
Erysipeloid
- Erysipeloid
- Preferred regimen: Penicillin 500 mg qid for 7–10 days OR Amoxicillin 500 mg tid for 7–10 days
Glanders
- Glanders
- Preferred regimen: Ceftazidime OR Gentamicin OR Imipenem OR Doxycycline OR Ciprofloxacin is recommended based on in vitro susceptibility
Bubonic plague
- Bubonic Plague
- Preferred regimen: Streptomycin 15 mg/kg IM every 12 hours OR Doxycycline 100 mg bid PO OR Gentamicin could be substituted for streptomycin
Tularemia
- Tularemia
- Preferred regimen (1): Streptomycin 15 mg/kg every 12 hours IM OR Gentamicin 1.5 mg/kg every 8 hours IV
- Preferred regimen (2): Tetracycline 500 mg qid OR doxycycline 100 mg bid PO (for mild cases)
Cutaneous anthrax
- Cutaneous anthrax
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin V 500 mg PO qid for 7–10 days
- Preferred regimen (2): Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO bid OR Levofloxacin 500 mg IV/PO every 24 hours for 60 days is recommended for bioterrorism cases because of presumed aerosol exposure
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Antifungal agents
- Preferred regimen (1): Ketoconazole 2% in shampoo, foam, gel, or cream‡ Scalp: twice/wk for clearance, then once/wk or every other wk for maintenance; other areas: from twice daily to twice/wk for clearance, then from twice/wk to once every other wk for maintenance
- Preferred regimen (2): Bifonazole 1% in shampoo or cream Scalp: 3 times/wk for clearance; other areas: once daily for clearance
- Preferred regimen (3): Ciclopirox olamine (also called ciclopirox) 1.0% or 1.5% in shampoo or cream Scalp: twice to 3 times/wk for clearance, then once/wk or every 2 wk for maintenance; other areas: twice daily for clearance, then once daily for maintenance
- Corticosteroids
- Preferred regimen (1): Hydrocortisone 1% in cream Areas other than scalp: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (2): Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% in lotion Scalp and other areas: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (3): Clobetasol 17- butyrate 0.05% in cream Areas other than scalp: once or twice daily
- Preferred regimen (4): Clobetasol dipro- pionate 0.05% in shampoo Scalp: twice weekly in a short- contact fashion (up to 10 min application, then washing)
- Preferred regimen (5): Desonide 0.05% in lotion Scalp and other areas of skin: twice daily
- Lithium salts
- Preferred regimen: Lithium succinate AND zinc sulfate Ointment containing 8% lithium succinate plus 0.05% zinc sulfate
- Preferred regimen: Lithium gluconate 8% in gel Areas other than scalp: twice daily
Mastitis
- Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), 875 mg twice daily
- Preferred regimen (2): Cephalexin (Keflex),500 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (3): Ciprofloxacin (Cipro),500 mg twice daily
- Preferred regimen (4): Clindamycin (Cleocin),300 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (5): Dicloxacillin (Dynapen, brand no longer available in the United States), 500 mg four times daily
- Preferred regimen (6): Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra),*† 160 mg/800 mg twice daily
Yaws
- Preferred regimen (1): Phenoxymethylpenicillin 7–10 d; 12.5 mg/kg q6h (maximum dose, 300 mg q6h)
- Preferred regimen (2): Tetracyclines 15 d; tetracycline 500 mg q6h or doxycycline 100 mg q12h Alternative agents for the treatment of yaws in nonpregnant adults
- Preferred regimen (3): Erythromycin 15 d; 8–10 mg/kg q6h
- Preferred regimen (4): Azithromycin Single-dose; 30 mg/kg (maximum dose 2 g)
Lyme disease
- Preferred oral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times per day
- * Preferred regimen (2): Doxycycline 100 mg twice per day
- * Preferred regimen (3): Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg twice per day 30 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- Alternative oral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline, 200 mg in a single dose
- Preferred parenteral regimen adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 2 g intravenously once per day
- Alternative parenteral regimens adults
- * Preferred regimen (1): Cefotaxime 2 g intravenously every 8 hd d
- * Preferred regimen (2): Penicillin G 18–24 million U per day intravenously, divided every 4 h
- Preferred oral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day in 3 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- * Preferred regimen (2): Doxycycline Not recommended for children aged !8 years. For children aged 8 years, 4 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 100 mg per dose)
- * Preferred regimen (3): Cefuroxime axetil 30 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
- Alternative oral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline, (4 mg/kg in children <8 years of age)
- Preferred parenteral regimen pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 50–75 mg/kg intravenously per day in a single dose (maximum, 2 g)
- Alternative parenteral regimens pediatrics
- * Preferred regimen (1): Cefotaxime 150–200 mg/kg per day intravenously in 3–4 divided doses (maximum, 6 g per day)
- * Preferred regimen (2): Penicillin G 200,000–400,000 U/kg per day divided every 4 h (not to exceed 18–24 million U per day)
Bacillary angiomatosis
- * Preferred regimen (1): Erythromycin, 30--50 mg/kg body weight (max 2 g/day) per day orally divided into 2--4 doses, or if unable to take oral medication, 15--50 mg/kg body weight (max 2 g/day) per day IV in divided doses 4 times a day (AH)
- * Preferred regimen (2): Doxycycline, 2--4 mg/kg body weight (max 100--200 mg/day) per day orally or IV once daily or divided into 2 doses (AII) for 3 mos CNS infections, bacillary peliosis, osteomyelitis
- * Alternate regimen (1): Azithromycin, 5--12 mg/kg body weight (max 600 mg/day) orally once daily (BIII)
- * Alternate regimen (2): Clarithromycin, 15 mg/kg body weight (max 1 g/day) per day orally divided into 2 doses (BIII)
- * Alternate regimen (3): Rifampin, 20 mg/kg body weight (max 600 mg/day) per day orally or IV once daily or divided into 2 doses can be used in combination with erythromycin or doxycycline in patients with more severe infections (BIII)
- Severe infections:
- * Preferred regimen : Doxycycline, 2--4 mg/kg body weight (max 100--200 mg/day) per day orally or IV once daily or divided into 2 doses (AIII) for 4 mos
Acne vulgaris
- Earliest form, No inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical tretinoin (cream 0.025 or 0.05%) or (gel 0.01 or 0.025%) once 24 hrs
- * Alternative regimen (1): Topical adapalene 0.1 % gel OR azelaic acid 20% cream OR tazarotene 0.1% cream once 24hrs
- Mild inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical erythromycin 3% AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid
- * Alternative regimen (1): Topical clindamycin 1% gel bid AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid
- Inflammation
- * Preferred regimen (1) : Topical erythromycin 3% AND benzoyl peroxide 5% bid AND/ OR oral antibiotic
- * Alternative regimen (1): Oral doxycycline 50mg bid OR minocycline 50 mg bid
- * Alternative regimen (2): Expensive extended release: once daily minocycline 1mg/kg/d
Acne Rosacea
- Facial erythema
- * Preferred regimen : Brimonidine gel applied to the affected area bid
- Papulopustular rosacea:
- * Preferred regimen : Azelaic acid gel bid topical OR Metronidazole topical cream once daily.