Adult

Necrotising Fasciitis

  • Necrotising fasciitis is an emergency and requires prompt treatment with effective antimicrobials and urgent referral to plastic surgery team
  • Consult Micro/ID urgently. All patients should be re-reviewed by Micro/ID 48 hours after the start of therapy. 
  • Cases should be discussed with ICU (intensive care unit)
  • IVIg may be indicated. This must be approved by Micro/ID. 

Preferred

co-amoxiclav 1.2g iv tds AND clindamycin 900mg iv qds

For MRSA positive patientsADD vancomycin iv

Alternative

For penicillin allergy (non-severe)

ceftriaxone 2g iv od AND clindamycin 900mg iv qds

For MRSA positive patientsADD vancomycin iv

 

For penicillin allergy (severe) 

ciprofloxacin* 400mg iv bd

AND clindamycin 900mg iv qds

AND vancomycin iv

 

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

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

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01 Jul 2024