First Line (IV)
Flucloxacillin IV
Flucloxacillin 1–2g four times daily IV
Step down to oral flucloxacillin when improving
Blood cultures x2 before first dose
Penicillin Allergy / MRSA Risk
Vancomycin or Teicoplanin
Vancomycin IV by weight-based infusion (dose by levels — target AUC 400–600 mg·h/L)
OR Teicoplanin (loading 6–12mg/kg q12h x3, then od)
Discuss with microbiology
⚠️ Admit if: systemic sepsis, rapid progression, facial cellulitis, periorbital involvement, immunocompromised patient, failed oral therapy. Blood cultures before antibiotics. Consider necrotising fasciitis if severe pain out of proportion, crepitus, rapid progression — surgical emergency.
🔄 Early IV-to-oral switch when: temperature normalising, erythema not spreading, tolerating oral intake. Typically 24–48h IV then oral step-down reduces LOS.
CREST Guidelines · PHE Guidance · NICE Quality Standards