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Hi, I Am Treating A Chronic Big Toe Infection With
Question: Hi, I am treating a chronic big toe infection with amoxi clauvanate, I am usually prescribed cephalexin and notice results sooner. I have been on amoxi clav twice a day500 mg for 5 days not seeing results yet. Should I switch to another antibiotics or wait a few seconds days . Infection is not progressing up my foot but I'm not seeing results yet
Brief Answer:
5 days should have been enough time for the antibiotic to prove its worth
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Amoxicillin with clavulanate is a broader spectrum antibiotic than cephalexin and we usually expect it to be more effective. 5 days is enough time for a local infection to demonstrate significant improvement.
If there's no improvement then there are two things to consider:
(a) the infection cannot be treated with antibiotics: if there's a significant pus collection then only with drainage may the treatment be successful.
(b) the antibiotic is not effective against this particular pathogen.
In any case, you'd better visit your doctor for an assessment. I'd always strongly discourage patients to make changes to their treatment plan themselves, as things may be more complicated than they seem at first glance.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
5 days should have been enough time for the antibiotic to prove its worth
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Amoxicillin with clavulanate is a broader spectrum antibiotic than cephalexin and we usually expect it to be more effective. 5 days is enough time for a local infection to demonstrate significant improvement.
If there's no improvement then there are two things to consider:
(a) the infection cannot be treated with antibiotics: if there's a significant pus collection then only with drainage may the treatment be successful.
(b) the antibiotic is not effective against this particular pathogen.
In any case, you'd better visit your doctor for an assessment. I'd always strongly discourage patients to make changes to their treatment plan themselves, as things may be more complicated than they seem at first glance.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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