Cat & Dog Bites
Pasturella multocida, MSSA/MRSA, S. pyogenes, anaerobes
PO regimen for well-appearing outpatient:
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate† 45mg/kg/day (amox component) PO div q12h (max 875mg of Amox/dose)²
IV regimen for inpatient:
Ampicillin-Sulbactam 200mg/kg/day (amp component) IV div q6h (max 2000mg of Ampicillin/dose)²
Penicillin Allergic Patients:
TMP/SMX 10 mg/kg/day (TMP component) IV/PO div q12h (max 320 mg TMP/dose)
AND
Clindamycin 30mg/kg/day IV/PO div q8h (max 600mg/dose)
Empiric Therapy & Alternative Regimens
Duration of Therapy & Clinical Pearls
Consider need for rabies and tetanus prophylaxis.
Typically, avoid suturing puncture wounds (common w/cat bites) to allow wound to heal by secondary intention in order to prevent creation of anaerobic environment which would allow increased propagation of anaerobic organisms.²
Length of Therapy (Total IV + PO):
5 days
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†Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Dosing
Should use 7:1 Amoxicillin-Clavulanate formulation for Human Bites.
​For additional information regarding amoxicillin-clavulanate dosing and proper formulations, please see Bugs & Drugs Section.