Osteomyelitis is a bacterial or fungi infection that occurs in a bone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bone infections can result from a compound fracture, because in this case, the bone breaks through the skin. You can also get a bone infection when bacteria or fungi travel through the bloodstream from an infection in another part of the body, such as the urinary tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor will determine the nature of the bacteria or fungi causing your infection, and then you will receive intravenous antibiotic treatment for four to six weeks.
Oxacillin (Bactocill)
According to MedlinePlus, oxacillin is a prescription, injectable antibiotic that can treat bacterial infections, such as those that occur in the skin, bones, blood, joints and heart valve. You receive this medication via intramuscular injection or by a 30-minute intravenous drip. According to Drugs.com, the osteomyelitis treatment regimen for adults involves an intravenous injection of 2 g every four hours over the course of four to six weeks, and a doctor will administer the drug in a hospital setting. Side effects that require the attention of your doctor include rash, itching, fever, chills, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, seizures, and sore mouth or throat, reports MedlinePlus.
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Drugs.com says that ceftriaxone is an injectable antibiotic that is in the cephalosporin class of drugs and can treat bone and joint bacterial infections. The adult dose for osteomyelitis is 1 g to 2 g administered intravenously or intra-muscularly by your doctor every 24 hours over the course of four to six weeks. You may be able to receive the treatment on an outpatient basis. According to Drugs.com, adverse reactions to ceftriaxone injection include diarrhea, tenderness and pain at the injection site, rash, elevated liver enzymes, headache, dizziness and hematologic effects--including low white blood cell count and increase in platelet count.
Ceftazidime (Fortaz)
According to the Monthly Prescribing Reference, ceftazidime is a prescription, injectable antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class of drugs. Ceftazidime is useful for the treatment of bone and joint infections caused by susceptible organisms. Adults receive an intravenous injection of 2 g every 12 hours, and your treatment usually lasts four to six weeks. If you are allergic to penicillin or if you suffer from colitis, you should not receive treatment with ceftazidime. Side effects include allergic reactions, such as rash, itching and fever, reactions at the site of injection, stomach upset and elevated liver enzymes.
