The best antibiotic for cellulitis typically depends on whether the infection is purulent (has pus) or non-purulent. For non-purulent cellulitis, cephalexin 500 mg every 6 hours is generally the preferred oral antibiotic. If a patient has a severe allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics like cephalexin, clindamycin 300 mg to 450 mg every 6 hours is a suitable alternative. The typical duration of treatment is at least 5 days.
Here's a breakdown:
- Non-Purulent Cellulitis (without pus):
- First-line: Cephalexin 500mg every 6 hours
- Alternative (Penicillin Allergy): Clindamycin 300-450mg every 6 hours
- Purulent Cellulitis (with pus): This answer is only for non-purulent cellulitis
The duration of oral antibiotic therapy should be for a minimum of 5 days. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. They can assess the severity of the infection, potential allergies, and local antibiotic resistance patterns to determine the most appropriate antibiotic regimen.
