Medications

Antibiotics: The decision to use antibiotics also involves a number of factors about the bite and the person who was bitten. In many cases there are no definite answers from medical research, and doctors use their judgment to determine if antibiotics are used. The following are some general points on antibiotic use in human bites:

• Minor bites with no or superficial skin break: Antibiotics are not needed.
  
  
• Infected bites: Antibiotics are given either orally or by IV, depending on how severe the infection is.
  
  
• Closed fist injuries: Antibiotics are usually needed in this human bite. When initially treated, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. Sometimes the doctor in the emergency department may give the first dose into the muscle or veins. If already infected, these bites are usually treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics.