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What Causes Slight Swelling And Redness After A Cat Bite?
Question: My cat bit me 2 days ago on the lower front of my leg about 2 inches above my ankle. It is now infected. There is slight swelling, redness, a burning sensation, warmth to the touch and stiffness but no pus. I do not have a fever. My most recent tetanus shot was approximately 4-5 years ago and my indoor cat's shots are current. I have a fresh prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg capsules. I can't afford to seek medical care. How many capsules should I take initially and then for how long and at what dosage should I continue to take them with the understanding I would see a doctor if symptoms don't improve within your recommended period of time?
Brief Answer:
500mg , 3 times daily or 875 mg twice daily
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The dose of amoxicillin would be 500mg tds (three times daily) or 875 mg bd (twice daily) so depends on strength that you have. It may work for you but in some cases this antibiotics is not strong enough.
You should also clean the area with an antiseptic 2 to 3 times daily.
The fact the the cat's shots are current is good, this should mean that you would not need the rabies vaccine.
It may not affect other aspects of treatment however.
(1)Though the tetanus was 4 yrs ago, you may still need an update because normally recommended if not given in previous year for this type of injury.
(2)if there is no improvement or worsening of symptoms then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The wound may need to be incised and washed out, any dead tissue removed.
Alternative antibiotics may also be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
500mg , 3 times daily or 875 mg twice daily
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The dose of amoxicillin would be 500mg tds (three times daily) or 875 mg bd (twice daily) so depends on strength that you have. It may work for you but in some cases this antibiotics is not strong enough.
You should also clean the area with an antiseptic 2 to 3 times daily.
The fact the the cat's shots are current is good, this should mean that you would not need the rabies vaccine.
It may not affect other aspects of treatment however.
(1)Though the tetanus was 4 yrs ago, you may still need an update because normally recommended if not given in previous year for this type of injury.
(2)if there is no improvement or worsening of symptoms then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The wound may need to be incised and washed out, any dead tissue removed.
Alternative antibiotics may also be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for your reply. My capsules are 500 mg. You said to take 3 per day. Does that mean one every 8 hours as in around the clock in a 24 hour day or 3 times in a normal waking day which would be every 4 hours in my normal 12 hour awake day? You didn't say if I should start with a mega dose of 1000 or even 1500 mg to start since I do have an infection and the bite was a full two days ago. Also, how soon can I expect to see improvement if it will happen at all? I want to give the amoxicillin time to take some effect.
Brief Answer:
1 tablet , 3 times a day
Detailed Answer:
HI
One tablet three times a day, every 8 hours
NO loading dose is normally used.
In terms of improvement, if this is going to occur then initial changes should be seen within 48 hours.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
1 tablet , 3 times a day
Detailed Answer:
HI
One tablet three times a day, every 8 hours
NO loading dose is normally used.
In terms of improvement, if this is going to occur then initial changes should be seen within 48 hours.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much, Doctor. My symptoms are lessening greatly. The swelling is less as is the burning. The burn only happens when I'm standing. I still do not have a fever. Assuming this is the case, how long should I continue my one 500mg amoxicillin every 8 hrs to be sure the bacteria is dead? Please refer to my prior questions. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
a full 7 day course
Detailed Answer:
HI
You should take a full course, for 7 days.
Taking a full course would increase the chance of complete resolution. This may mean taking the medication even after most of the symptoms have resolved but this is best.
If anything else unclear , feel free to ask
a full 7 day course
Detailed Answer:
HI
You should take a full course, for 7 days.
Taking a full course would increase the chance of complete resolution. This may mean taking the medication even after most of the symptoms have resolved but this is best.
If anything else unclear , feel free to ask
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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