Which agent is a common first-line option for MRSA skin infections?

Which agent is a common first-line option for MRSA skin infections?

• A. Vancomycin
• B. Daptomycin
• C. Linezolid
• D. Cephalexin

Answer: (A)

MRSA coverage is essential for skin infections where this organism is suspected or confirmed, and in inpatient or more severe cases, vancomycin is a common first-line option because it reliably covers MRSA and is widely used as initial empiric therapy in this setting. Cephalexin lacks MRSA activity, so it isn’t appropriate when MRSA is a concern. While linezolid and daptomycin are active against MRSA, they’re typically reserved for specific situations (e.g., intolerance to vancomycin, outpatient oral therapy, or complicated cases), making vancomycin the best overall first-line choice among these options for MRSA SSTIs.

MRSA coverage is essential for skin infections where this organism is suspected or confirmed, and in inpatient or more severe cases, vancomycin is a common first-line option because it reliably covers MRSA and is widely used as initial empiric therapy in this setting. Cephalexin lacks MRSA activity, so it isn’t appropriate when MRSA is a concern. While linezolid and daptomycin are active against MRSA, they’re typically reserved for specific situations (e.g., intolerance to vancomycin, outpatient oral therapy, or complicated cases), making vancomycin the best overall first-line choice among these options for MRSA SSTIs.