Guidelines
Outpatient Management

Outpatient Management

Treatment Notes

Clindamycin monotherapy is not routinely recommended due to S. aureus resistance rates of 25-30% locally (compared to <5% for doxycycline and & <20% for Bactrim)

I&D alone sufficient without risk factors. Do not treat with antibiotics unless at least one risk factor below is present.

Risk Factors

Abscess Risks: Abscess ≥ 2 cm, multiple abscesses, significant surrounding cellulitis, abscess located on face/hands/genitals

Patient Risks: Signs of systemic infection, advanced age, diabetic, immunocompromised, presence of an indwelling medical device

Duration of Therapy

  • 5 days
  • Consider 7-10 days if incomplete drainage, morbidly obese, large abscess, or if follow-up is not available

Empiric Regimen

OR

Consider 2 tabs BID if wt > 120 kg

If Abscess is Perioral, Perirectal, or Associated with an Ulcer, CONSIDER ADDING

OR

  • Note: non-formulary for inpatient/ED use.
  • Prescribe for outpatient use only.