Final answer:
The primary treatment for bacterial infection from animal bites involves amoxicillin-clavulanate, or doxycycline, cefuroxime or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for those allergic to penicillin. If the infection is severe, or first-line treatments fail, IV antibiotics like penicillin G or ceftriaxone are used. Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are critical for potential rabies exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drug of Choice and Second Line Option for Treating Animal Bites:
The drug of choice to treat bacterial infections from animal bites often involves the use of antibiotics. For an initial, uncomplicated animal bite, amoxicillin-clavulanate is frequently prescribed due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against the types of bacteria commonly found in such wounds. In cases where the patient is allergic to penicillin doxycycline may be given for adults, while cefuroxime or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may be used for children. For more severe cases of infection or for those bites that have failed initial treatment, intravenous antibiotics such as penicillin G, chloramphenicol, or ceftriaxone can be administered.
These are considered second line options. Additionally if there's a concern about rabies transmission from the bite, post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin is crucial. It's important to note that the specific treatment may vary based on the type of animal the nature of the bite, and the patient's medical history. For venomous bites the management might include antivenom therapy as well as supportive care depending on the type and severity of envenomation.