Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Typically a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics are administered for the treatment of cellulitis. Bed rest and elevation of the affected limbs are recommended to accompany the antibiotic treatment. In patients with edema of the extremities, compressive stockings may really aid in treating the fluid accumulation. Small abscesses surrounding the affected tissue can be treated with a simple incision and drainage of the fluid. It is advised to drink plenty of fluids during your treatment and recovery.
Medical Therapy
Empiric Therapy for Cellulitis in Neonates
▸ Click on the following categories to expand treatment regimens.
▸ Infants 0 to 4 weeks of age
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Infants 0 to 4 weeks of age
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 5 mg/kg orally q12h OR ▸ Linezolid 10 mg/kg orally q8-12h
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Infants <1 week of age (BW 1200 to 2000 g)
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Parental Regimen
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▸ Vancomycin 10 to 15 mg/kg IV q12-18h
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PLUS
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▸ Cefotaxime 50 mg/kg IV q12h OR ▸ Gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg IV q12h
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Infants <1 week of age (BW 1200 to 2000 g)
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 5 mg/kg orally q12h OR ▸ Linezolid 10 mg/kg orally q8-12h
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Infants <1 week of age (BW >2000 g)
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Parental Regimen
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▸ Vancomycin 10 to 15 mg/kg IV q8-12h
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PLUS
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▸ Cefotaxime 50 mg/kg IV q8-12h OR ▸ Gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg IV q12h
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Infants <1 week of age (BW >2000 g)
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 5 mg/kg orally q8h OR ▸ Linezolid 10 mg/kg orally q8-12h
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Infants ≥1 week of age (BW 1200 to 2000 g)
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Parental Regimen
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▸ Vancomycin 10 to 15 mg/kg IV q8-12h
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PLUS
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▸ Cefotaxime 50 mg/kg IV q8h OR ▸ Gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg IV q8-12h
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Infants ≥1 week of age (BW 1200 to 2000 g)
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 5 mg/kg orally q8h OR ▸ Linezolid 10 mg/kg orally q8h
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Infants ≥1 week of age (BW > 2000 g)
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Parental Regimen
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▸ Vancomycin 10 to 15 mg/kg IV q6-8h
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PLUS
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▸ Cefotaxime 50 mg/kg IV q6-8h OR ▸ Gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg IV q8h
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Infants ≥1 week of age (BW > 2000 g)
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 5 mg/kg orally q6h OR ▸ Linezolid 10 mg/kg orally q8h
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Note:
- Treatment of cellulitis in neonates usually requires hospitalization and parenteral therapy. Oral therapy is given for completion of the treatment when the patogen is unknown.
- Optimal dose should be based on determination of serum concentrations.
Empiric Therapy for Cellulitis in Adults and Children > 28 days
▸ Click on the following categories to expand treatment regimens.
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Children age >28 days
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Parental Regimen
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▸ Cefazolin 100 mg/kg per day IV in 3-4 doses OR ▸ Oxacillin 150-200 mg/kg per day IV in 4-6 doses OR ▸ Nafcillin 150-200 mg/kg per day IV in 4-6 doses
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Alternative Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 25-40 mg/kg per day IV in 3-4 doses
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Children age >28 days
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Dicloxacillin 25-50 mg/kg per day orally in 4 doses OR ▸ Cephalexin 25-50 mg/kg per day orally in 3-4 doses
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Alternative Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 20-30 mg/kg per day orally in 4 doses
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▸ Click on the following categories to expand treatment regimens.
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Children age >28 days
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Oral Regimen
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▸ Amoxicillin 25-50 mg/kg per day orally divided in 3 doses
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PLUS
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▸ Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 8-12 mg trimethoprim component/kg per day orally divided in 2 doses
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Alternative Regimen
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▸ Clindamycin 40 mg/kg per day orally divided in 3-4 doses OR ▸ Linezolid <12 years: 30 mg/kg per day orally divided in 3 doses, ≥12 years: 600 mg orally q12h OR ▸ Amoxicillin 25-50 mg/kg per day orally divided in 3 doses PLUS Minocycline 24 mg/kg orally once, then 4 mg/kg per day divided in 2 doses OR ▸ Amoxicillin 25-50 mg/kg per day orally divided in 3 doses PLUS Doxycycline ≤45 kg: 4 mg/kg per day orally divided in 2 doses, >45 kg: 100 mg orally q12h
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Note:
- The above antibiotic regimen is NOT for initial empirical treatment of infections involving the face.
- Dose alteration for renal insufficiency may be needed in case of cephalosporins.
- Clindamycin is an alternate therapy for patients at risk of severe hypersensitivity reaction to penicillins and cephalosporins.
References
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