Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that may be used as adjunctive therapy in superficial phlebitis if infection is possible but unlikely, and if the only likely organisms would be skin flora, including staphylococci and streptococci.
What is the best treatment for thrombophlebitis?
For superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor might recommend applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using an
over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
Can you take antibiotics for thrombophlebitis?
Treatments for phlebitis
Phlebitis is inflammation, not infection, so
antibiotics are not helpful
. You can follow this advice to help reduce any pain and swelling: raise the leg to help reduce swelling. ask your doctor if compression stockings would be suitable for you to help reduce swelling.
What is used to treat phlebitis?
In general, superficial phlebitis of the upper and lower extremities can be treated by applying
warm compresses
, elevation of the involved extremity, encouraging ambulation (walking), and oral anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], diclofenac [Voltaren, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR], etc.).
Is phlebitis a bacterial infection?
Septic thrombophlebitis is characterized by
venous thrombosis with associated bacterial or fungal infection
. Superficial or deep veins may be involved. Presentation of septic thrombophlebitis can range from a benign course affecting localized superficial veins to severe systemic infections resulting in shock and death.
How long does thrombophlebitis last?
This is often a short-term condition that does not cause complications. Symptoms often go away in
1 to 2 weeks
. Hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.
What is the difference between thrombosis and thrombophlebitis?
Thrombosis is a general term that refers to a partially or totally obstructed blood vessel, be it in a vein or an artery. When the problem occurs in a vein, it is generally referred to as thrombophlebitis. Veins in the calves and thighs are most commonly affected.
What causes thrombophlebitis?
The cause of thrombophlebitis is
a blood clot
, which can form in your blood as a result of: An injury to a vein. An inherited blood-clotting disorder. Being immobile for long periods, such as during an injury or a hospital stay.
Is walking good for superficial thrombophlebitis?
Exercise regularly to help increase your blood flow.
Walking is
a good low-impact exercise
.
What does thrombophlebitis look like?
Superficial phlebitis
There is usually a slow onset of a
tender red area along
the superficial veins on the skin. A long, thin red area may be seen as the inflammation follows a superficial vein. This area may feel hard, warm, and tender. The skin around the vein may be itchy and swollen.
What are the 3 types of phlebitis?
- Mechanical phlebitis. Mechanical phlebitis occurs where the movement of a foreign object (cannula) within a vein causes friction and subsequent venous inflammation (Stokowski et al, 2009) (Fig 1). …
- Chemical phlebitis. …
- Infective phlebitis.
What cream can I use for phlebitis?
Hirudoid® cream (heparinoid)
may improve your symptoms, although there is some evidence that heparin gel may be more effective. Fondaparinux (also called Arixtra®) is an injected medicine which inhibits one of the body’s clotting factors.
What is the best antibiotic for phlebitis?
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
When used for the treatment of phlebitis, ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously rather than intramuscularly.
What are the warning signs of phlebitis?
- redness.
- swelling.
- warmth.
- visible red “streaking” on your arm or leg.
- tenderness.
- rope- or cord-like structure that you can feel through the skin.
Is phlebitis very painful?
Although
painful
, this condition is not as serious as deep vein thrombosis because blood clots in veins close to the surface of your skin rarely break off and travel to other parts of the body. The symptoms of phlebitis include: Swelling around the clot as extra fluid builds up. Inflammation, redness and pain.
Can you get sepsis from phlebitis?
Simple phlebitis is often benign, but when it is progressive, it can cause serious complications, and even death.
Suppurative superficial thrombophlebitis
is a more serious condition that can lead to sepsis and death, even with appropriate aggressive intervention.
