Adult

Open Skull Fracture including CSF leak post skull fracture

For cases where there is open skull fracture resulting from penetrating injury, treat for 3 days.

Preferred (including penicillin allergy non-severe)

cefalexin 1g po tds AND metronidazole 400mg po tds

Alternative

For penicillin allergy (severe)

moxifloxacin400mg po od

Moxifloxacin may induce convulsions in patients with or without a history of convulsions – use with caution

*Ensure that the patient is given the Fluoroquinolone MHRA patient information leaflet.

Fluoroquinolones, including moxifloxacin, are associated with disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects. See Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - severe adverse effects

CSF leak post skull fracture

No antibiotics indicated.

Administer Pneumovax®

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01 Jun 2025