What antibiotic class is often the first-line treatment for animal bites?

The first-line treatment for animal bites is often amoxicillin-clavulanate. This antibiotic combination is effective due to its ability to cover a wide range of bacteria that are commonly found in the oral flora of animals, particularly dogs and cats. Animal bites carry a risk of infection from bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida, which is prevalent in these animals. Amoxicillin-clavulanate not only targets these bacteria effectively but also combats beta-lactamase producing organisms, which may be resistant to other antibiotics.

The broader spectrum of coverage provided by amoxicillin-clavulanate makes it a preferred choice because it addresses both gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, thus reducing the likelihood of treatment failure. Its effectiveness in managing potential infections from animal bites, alongside a generally favorable safety profile, makes it the recommended option in clinical practice.