Oral antibiotics in pedal infections.

A culture and sensitivity test is essential before starting antibiotic therapy. If the infection is serious, a bacteriocidal agent should be selected in preference to a bacteriostatic agent. Also, it is important to determine the proper dosage of the antimicrobial drug to be used. If a penicillin is indicated, it is the single most effective antibiotic. If a penicillin is not indicated, erythromycin is safe and effective against most pedal infections.