Adult

Infections of the Soft Tissue of the Eye (including peri-orbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, preseptal cellulitis, and periorbital abscess)

Includes preseptal cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis and periorbital abscess. 

For facial cellulitis, excluding eye involvement see Facial cellulitis (excluding pinna)

For patients with penicillin allergy label consider penicillin allergy assessment and delabelling

Peri-orbital cellulitis (including pre-septal and peri-orbital cellulitis)

Treat for up to 7 days. 

Preferred

co-amoxiclav 625mg po tds 

 

For penicillin allergy (non severe and severe) 

clarithromycin 500mg po bd AND metronidazole 400mg po tds 

Orbital cellulitis

Admit patient. If CNS infection is suspected, prescribe antibiotics as per Meningitis: community-acquired

Treat for 7-14 days. Review IVs daily. 

Preferred

ceftriaxone 2g iv od AND metronidazole 400mg po tds 

 

For penicillin allergy (severe) 

moxifloxacin* 400mg po (or iv) od 

*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.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01 Mar 2024