Felon Empiric Therapy

Updated: Apr 12, 2019
Author: Ramotsumi M Makhene, MD; Chief Editor: Thomas E Herchline, MD 

Empiric Therapy Regimens

Empiric therapeutic regimens for felons are outlined below. Adequate early treatment of a felon can prevent abscess formation. Treatment includes incision and drainage along with antibiotic therapy.[1, 2, 3] Pack gauze loosely into the wound to prevent skin closure, apply a loose dressing, and splint and elevate the finger.[4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Treatment recommendations

See the list below:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate (875mg/125mg) PO BID or

  • Cephalexin 500mg PO QID or

  • Clindamycin 300-450mg PO TID or

  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160mg/800mg) 1 DS tablet PO BID

  • Duration of treatment: 7-10d