What is the recommended antibiotic for a cat bite?

The recommended antibiotic for a cat bite is amoxicillin-clavulanate. This combination antibiotic is effective against the common pathogens associated with cat bites, especially Pasteurella multocida, which is often found in the oral flora of cats and can lead to infection after a bite. Amoxicillin alone may not sufficiently cover all potential organisms, as the addition of clavulanate helps inhibit beta-lactamase-producing organisms that can resist amoxicillin.

In the scenario of a cat bite, it is crucial to initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly to prevent complications such as abscess formation and systemic infection. The choice of amoxicillin-clavulanate aligns with current guidelines that emphasize the importance of broad-spectrum coverage when treating potential infections from animal bites.

While other antibiotics such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline may have their own indications and uses, they are not the first-line treatment for cat bites given their spectrum of activity and the specific pathogens often involved. Therefore, selecting amoxicillin-clavulanate keeps the focus on effectively targeting the likely culprits of these infections.