Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat cellulitis?

The antibiotic commonly used to treat cellulitis is penicillin, particularly in its various forms such as penicillin G or amoxicillin, which is often preferred due to its broader spectrum of activity. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, is frequently caused by streptococci and staphylococci. Penicillin is effective against these pathogens and has been a traditional treatment for such infections.

While other antibiotics may be used to treat cellulitis in certain situations, penicillin remains a foundational option because of its effectiveness in targeting the bacteria typically associated with this condition. The choice of antibiotic ultimately depends on the patient's individual circumstances, including any allergies, the severity of the infection, and local antibiotic resistance patterns.