• Usually due to staphylococcus aureus, 36% of which are resistant to flucloxacillin i.e. MRSA
• Remove the cannula
• If pus at site of an old cannula, or mild erythema, but no signs of sepsis, take blood cultures and swab any pus.
• Doxycycline PO 100mg bd for one day then od for 6 days.
• Monitor cannula site closely to check response to treatment

Any signs of severe infection, or spreading cellulitis:

• Vancomycin IV 1g bd and monitor levels (if mild renal impairment or >65 years, reduce frequency to 1g od)

Back to main Line infections page.

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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