Cellulitis refers to a type of inflammation that infiltrates the skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that specific symptoms of cellulitis include fever, chills, skin redness and edema (tissue swelling). Medications to treat cellulitis exist to manage these symptoms.
Cephalexin
Cephalexin, commonly sold as Keflex, is an antibiotic medication used to manage cellulitis. According to Drugs.com, cephalexin belongs to a class of medications known as cephalosporins. Specifically, its aim is to destroy bacteria.
This drug's milder side effects include joint pain, vaginal itching or discharge, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Cephalexin also leads to fatigue and dizziness. Notify a physician if this drug's common side effects last for more than one week.
Some of cephalexin's serious effects include bloody or watery diarrhea, seizure, agitation and confusion. Sometimes this drug can also lead to decreased urination, a sore throat, a headache and a red skin rash. In some instances, cephalexin can cause easy bleeding or bruising, dark colored urine and weakness. Notify a doctor right away if cephalexin causes these effects.
An alteration in cephalexin's dose may be needed when suffering from such diseases as diabetes, kidney or liver disease and intestinal disorders like colitis.
Cephalexin is available as a liquid and a tablet. Take this tablet daily or as prescribed.
Dicloxacillin
Dicloxacillin, commonly sold as Dycill or Dynapen, is another medication used to treat cellulitis. Drugs.com says that dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group of medications. It also works to eliminate bacteria in the body.
Dicloxacillin's less serious side effects include vaginal discharge or vaginal itching, a headache and thrush (fungal infection of the mouth and throat). This medication can also lead to a black or "hairy" tongue, a headache, stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. Notify a physician if dicloxacillin's common effects last for more than five days.
Dicloxacillin's serious effects include nausea, easy bleeding or bruising, decreased urination and confusion. This medication can also lead to body aches, a fever, seizure, yellowing of the skin or eyes and a skin rash. Call a physician if dicloxacillin's serious effects emerge.
An alteration in dicloxacillin's dose may be necessary in people with liver or kidney disease, asthma, bleeding disorder and diarrhea.
Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, commonly sold as Augmentin, is another antibiotic medication used to manage cellulitis. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that this combination drug belongs to a set of medications known as beta-lactamase inhibitors. It prevents bacteria from attacking amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid's milder side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash and stomach problems. Call a doctor if this drug's effects do not cease within five to seven days.
This drug's serious effects include difficulty breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) and vaginal discharge or itching. Sometimes, this drug can also lead to itching, hives, a severe skin rash and wheezing. Call a physician when amoxicillin and clavulanic acid lead to these effects.
A change in this medication's dose may be needed when taking such medications as allopurinol and probenecid.
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or regular tablet. Take this medication every eight to 12 hours as prescribed.
