Medication for Bone & Joint Infections

NYU Langone orthopedic surgeons and infectious disease specialists work together to identify the bacteria responsible for a bone or joint infection. Using this information, they create a treatment plan. They typically prescribe oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Some antibiotics work best if they are delivered through an IV, whereas others are most effective when taken by mouth. These medications can cause side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

IV antibiotics are administered at NYU Langone’s Infusion Center or in your home. A home healthcare provider can visit your home to set up an IV line. They can also teach you or a caregiver how to administer the antibiotics yourself or arrange for a visiting nurse to give you the medication.

The frequency of treatment varies, depending on the type of antibiotic your doctor has prescribed. Some medications are given once or twice a day, whereas others may be given several times a day for a shorter period of time.