Cellulitis

Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Grampian, Orkney & Shetland
NHS Grampian

Micro Organisms

Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus

Duration

Limited soft tissue infection: 7 days

Moderate to severe: 7-14 days

Limited soft tissue infection

Therapy

Oral Flucloxacillin

Notes:

Limited soft tissue infection in penicillin allergy

Therapy

Oral Clindamycin

Notes:

Clindamycin suspension is no longer available; clarithromycin may be used as an alternative for patients who require a liquid.

Moderate to severe

Therapy

IV Flucloxacillin

switch to

Oral Flucloxacillin

Notes:

Moderate to severe in penicillin allergy

Therapy

IV Clindamycin

switch to 

Oral Clindamycin

Notes:

Clindamycin suspension is no longer available; clarithromycin may be used as an alternative for patients who require a liquid.

If MRSA likely

Therapy

IV Vancomycin

Notes:

Notes

Send blood for culture.

Take appropriate specimens before starting therapy, consult dermatologist and medical microbiologist for patients with severe or recurrent infections.