For eyelid infections or preseptal cellulitis, which cephalosporin would you most likely use?

For eyelid infections or preseptal cellulitis, which cephalosporin would you most likely use?

• A. Cephalexin
• B. Ceftriaxone
• C. Cefdinir
• D. Cefazolin

Answer: (A)

Outpatient eyelid infections like preseptal cellulitis are usually caused by skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that works well against these gram-positive cocci and is available orally, making it convenient for nonhospitalized patients. This fits the typical mild, outpatient scenario where IV therapy isn’t needed and broad gram-negative coverage isn’t required. Other options listed are either injectable (cefazolin) or have broader coverage or a different setting of use (ceftriaxone, cefdinir), which isn’t as appropriate for straightforward outpatient preseptal cellulitis.

Outpatient eyelid infections like preseptal cellulitis are usually caused by skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that works well against these gram-positive cocci and is available orally, making it convenient for nonhospitalized patients. This fits the typical mild, outpatient scenario where IV therapy isn’t needed and broad gram-negative coverage isn’t required. Other options listed are either injectable (cefazolin) or have broader coverage or a different setting of use (ceftriaxone, cefdinir), which isn’t as appropriate for straightforward outpatient preseptal cellulitis.