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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

​

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.

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