Could a shorter antibiotic course be just as good for leg infections?

NCT ID NCT05584007

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial compares a 5-day course of the antibiotic flucloxacillin to the standard 7-day course for adults with leg cellulitis. About 334 participants will receive either 5 days of active drug plus 2 days of placebo, or 7 days of active drug. The goal is to see if the shorter course is non-inferior in controlling pain and preventing recurrence, which could lead to less antibiotic use and fewer side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
flucloxacillin
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that a shorter course of antibiotics is just as effective, reducing side effects and antibiotic resistance.
What could go wrong
This is a non-inferiority trial, so it may find that 5 days is slightly less effective. Results may not apply to severe cases or people with allergies.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Royal South Hants Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Southampton, United Kingdom

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