Episiotomy infection

Treatment of episiotomy infection
Flucloxacillin
Flucloxacillin 500mg capsules

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

Flucloxacillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole
Metronidazole 400mg tablets

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole 200mg/5ml oral suspension

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

If allergic to penicillin, erythromycin (tablets or oral suspension) AND metronidazole.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin 250mg gastro-resistant tablets

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

Erythromycin ethyl succinate 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole
Metronidazole 400mg tablets

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole 200mg/5ml oral suspension

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Prescribing Notes:

  • Flucloxacillin has adequate streptococcal cover; therefore it is not necessary to prescribe penicillin in addition, for empirical treatment of non-severe cellulitis.
  • All wounds have potential for bacterial infection and may become colonised but swabs should only be taken if there are clinical signs of infection.
  • Prescription of antibiotics should not delay appropriate surgical management e.g. drainage or aspiration of an abscess.
  • See also Wound Management section of the formulary.

History Notes

06/06/2024

Erythromycin ethyl succinate 500mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free discontinued and removed

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.