Choice of antimicrobials
Antibiotics can be:
a) Broad spectrum affecting a wide range of bacteria
b) Narrow spectrum affecting a limited range of bacteria
Choice may be to use a broad spectrum initially until results of culture allow a narrow spectrum.
Three rules to follow in choosing appropriate antibiotic :
1) The antibiotic selected should have activity against those organisms suspected to be the cause of the infection.
2) The antibiotic selected should be the least expensive choice if a number of agents fit rule 1.
3) The antibiotic selected should be the safest and best tolerated of those that fit the first two rules.
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