A 38 year old man presents with an acute infection of the skin on his the leg. A
diagnosis of cellulitis has been made. He has no known allergies. What is the SINGLE
best choice of antibiotic to be prescribed?
A. Flucloxacillin
B. Metronidazole
C. Vancomycin
D. Ceftriaxone
E. Clindamycin
Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.The most common
causative organisms are Streptococcus or Staphylococcus spp. but they can be caused
by a wide range of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Flucloxacillin in adults is usually given as first-line in uncomplicated infection. In
sufficient doses, this covers both beta-haemolytic streptococci and penicillinaseresistant
staphylococci.
Erythromycin or Clindamycin can be used if the patient is penicillin-allergic.