Antibiotics

Choosing an antibiotic

Consider patient factors:

1. Allergy

2. Renal and hepatic function

3. Immune status

4. Ability to tolerate oral medication

5. Severity of the illness

6. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, taking oral contraceptive?

Consider the organism :

1. What is the likely organism?

2. What is its likely or proven sensitivity?

Before starting therapy

• Always take samples for C+S, do not prescribe blindly before samples taken

• Dose will vary according to age, weight, renal function and severity of infection

• Route of administration depends on the severity of the infection,

• Duration of therapy, for most conditions 5 days is enough but for TB or osteomyelitis relatively long courses required

• Remember the risk of superinfection (eg pseudomembranous colitis, candida) more likely with broad spectrum antibiotics