What should you know about cellulitis and iv antibiotics?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting skin and deeper soft tissue. Treatment through a vein may be considered when infection is severe or rapidly spreading, tablets cannot be absorbed, the person is vomiting, or close monitoring is needed. The choice depends on examination, overall health, allergy history and local treatment guidance.

Intravenous treatment does not automatically mean the infection is dangerous, and tablets may be appropriate for less severe illness. A clinician checks the area for an abscess or another cause because antibiotics alone may not solve a collection of pus. See [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) for the condition itself.

A cannula is placed into a vein so the medicine can be given under supervision. Staff monitor the skin changes, pain, temperature, pulse and general wellbeing, and review whether a switch to tablets is suitable as improvement develops. Keep the limb elevated when advised, protect the skin and report pain, leakage, swelling or burning around the cannula.

Tell the clinical team about medication allergies, pregnancy, kidney problems and previous antibiotic reactions. Do not self-start oral antibiotics or stop intravenous treatment without advice. The treatment plan may include wound care, drainage or a different medicine if the response is inadequate.

Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, rapidly spreading redness, blistering, purple or black skin, severe pain, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat. During an infusion, immediately report rash, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness or sudden swelling. These may indicate a serious reaction requiring immediate treatment.

Ask: Why is intravenous treatment recommended for me? How will response be checked? When could tablets be suitable? Does the affected area need drainage? Which cannula or antibiotic reactions should I report immediately?