Preseptal Cellulitis Medication

  • Author: Aaron L Sobol, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 17, 2011
 

Medication Summary

The goal of pharmacotherapy is to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. Drugs described below are antibiotics commonly used to treat preseptal cellulitis.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

Antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

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Amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin)

 

Third-generation aminopenicillin. Combined with the beta-lactam, clavulanic acid, is less susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases produced by microorganisms.

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Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

 

Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum, gram-negative activity; lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms; higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Arrests bacterial growth by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins.

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Clindamycin (Cleocin)

 

Semisynthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin.

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Nafcillin (Unipen)

 

For suspected penicillin G-resistant streptococcal or staphylococcal infections. Second-generation penicillinase penicillin.

Use parenteral therapy initially in severe infections. Change to oral therapy as condition warrants.

Due to thrombophlebitis, particularly in elderly persons, administer parenterally only for short term (1-2 d); change to oral route as clinically indicated.

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Cephalexin (Keflex, Biocef)

 

First-generation cephalosporin arrests bacterial growth by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bactericidal activity against rapidly growing organisms. Primary activity against skin flora; used for skin infections or prophylaxis in minor procedures.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Aaron L Sobol, MD  Medical Director, Laurel Ridge Eyecare, Tulane University School of Medicine

Aaron L Sobol, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Kelly A Hutcheson, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Children's National Medical Center,

Kelly A Hutcheson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Brian A Phillpotts, MD  Former Vitreo-Retinal Service Director, Former Program Director, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Howard University College of Medicine

Brian A Phillpotts, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, and National Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD  Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD  Consulting Staff, Division of Oculoplastic, Orbito-facial, Lacrimal and Reconstructive Surgery, Green Bay Eye Clinic, BayCare Clinic; Medical Director, Advanced Cosmetic Solutions, A BayCare Clinic

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Society for Neuroscience

Disclosure: Allergan - Botox Cosmetic Consulting fee Consulting

Lance L Brown, OD, MD  Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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This image shows a 10-year-old child who presented with fever, acute unilateral eyelid erythema, and limited extraocular motions. The presentation is suspicious for orbital cellulitis.
Preseptal cellulitis. This image shows an 8-year-old patient who presented with unilateral eyelid swelling and erythema.
 
 
 
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