Peritonsillar Abscess

Patient Population: Adult
Diagnosis Common Pathogens Drug(s) of First Choice Alternative Drug(s) Comments Expected Duration

Peritonsillar abscess, deep neck infections

Group A streptococci
Oral anaerobes
S. aureus

Ampicillin/sulbactam
WITH OR WITHOUT*
Vancomycin

For severe beta-lactam allergy:
Clindamycin
WITH OR WITHOUT*
Vancomycin

Often polymicrobial

*Consider vancomycin use for patients at high risk for MRSA
ID consultation recommended