Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat cellulitis?

Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat cellulitis?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Clindamycin
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (B)

Cellulitis is a skin-and-soft-tissue infection caused mainly by Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus, so the chosen antibiotic should reliably target these organisms and penetrate skin tissue. Clindamycin provides good coverage of both streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, including many community-associated MRSA strains, and it reaches skin and soft tissues well. This makes it a common choice, especially when there is concern for MRSA or when a penicillin-based antibiotic isn’t suitable. In contrast, acetaminophen and ibuprofen don’t treat infections at all; they’re pain relievers/fever reducers. Amoxicillin can treat many cellulitis cases but may not cover MRSA, so clindamycin is often preferred when MRSA is a consideration.

Cellulitis is a skin-and-soft-tissue infection caused mainly by Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus, so the chosen antibiotic should reliably target these organisms and penetrate skin tissue. Clindamycin provides good coverage of both streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, including many community-associated MRSA strains, and it reaches skin and soft tissues well. This makes it a common choice, especially when there is concern for MRSA or when a penicillin-based antibiotic isn’t suitable. In contrast, acetaminophen and ibuprofen don’t treat infections at all; they’re pain relievers/fever reducers. Amoxicillin can treat many cellulitis cases but may not cover MRSA, so clindamycin is often preferred when MRSA is a consideration.