Oral antibiotics for MRSA: what to know

MRSA can live on skin without causing illness, so a positive swab does not always mean that an active infection needs tablets. When infection is present, a wound, blood or other sample may help identify which medicines are likely to work. A small skin infection may need drainage or local care, while deeper, spreading or severe infection may need hospital treatment and medicines given another way. The choice also depends on kidney function, allergies, age, pregnancy and interactions with existing medicines.

Use only the prescription given for this infection and keep the wound covered as advised. Wash hands after touching dressings, do not share towels or razors, and clean high-touch items regularly. Take each dose according to the label and complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it. Report a new rash, breathing difficulty or severe diarrhoea urgently. Never save remaining tablets for a future skin problem.

Seek urgent assessment if redness spreads quickly, pain becomes severe, pus increases, fever or chills develop, or you feel faint or confused. Go promptly for infection near the eye, face, hand or genitals, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Deterioration despite treatment needs reassessment because the medicine or source-control plan may need changing.

Ask whether the result shows colonisation or active infection, whether a culture was tested against the proposed medicine, and whether drainage or a dressing is needed. Confirm how to protect household members and when the wound should be reviewed.