Are there any alternatives for impetigo when flucloxacillin is rejected because of taste?
Oral antibiotics are recommended for the treatment of impetigo if there is extensive or severe infection (including
systemic symptoms), areas on which it would be impractical to use topical drugs, or if there is bullous impetigo.
Despite its taste, flucloxacillin is strongly recommended as first line antibiotic treatment.1 It is a
relatively safe medication to use in children, and as it is a narrow spectrum antibiotic, it does not contribute to
increasing bacterial resistance.
Given the potential for bacterial resistance and adverse effects with other options, parents should be encouraged
to persevere with giving flucoxacillin (unless allergic). PHARMAC has produced a leaflet with tips for administering
an unpalatable medicine � “Practical tips for giving medicine to kids”. Available from:
www.pharmaconline.co.nz/physicalproductdetails.aspx?id=3143
There are two main options if attempts to use flucloxacillin have failed or if the child is pencillin allergic - erythromycin
or cefaclor, although both have disadvantages. Erythromycin increases resistance in the target bacterium and cefaclor
is associated with adverse skin and joint reactions in children.3 It may be tempting to use amoxicillin clavulanate
but it is not recommended as empiric treatment as use of broad spectrum antibiotics increases bacterial resistance in
the community.
Cephalexin is now recommended over cefaclor. For more information, see the latest edition of our handbook, "Antibiotics: Choices for common infections", bpacnz.
References
- bpacnz. Management of impetigo. BPJ 2009;19:8-11.
- Diagnostic Medlab. Antibiotic susceptibility testing percentage susceptible. Auckland 2008. Available from:
www.dml.co.nz/clin_antibiotic.asp (Accessed
July 2009).
- King BA, Geelhoed GC. Adverse skin and joint reactions associated with oral antibiotics in children: the role of
cefaclor in serum sickness-like reactions. J Paediatr Child Health 2003;39:677-81.