General Antibiotic Therapy

Question 1

What must be considered before starting antibiotic therapy?

Answer 1

Is it viral? Samples should be taken for culture. Narrow spectrum is preferred, especially where the causative organism is known. The dose relative to patient factors. Route of administration. Duration of therapy.

Question 2

Which patient factors affect decisions regarding antibiotic treatment?

Answer 2

Age, weight, hepatic function, renal function, severity of infection.

Question 3

Which antibiotics are safe for use in pregnancy? Which are safe but should be avoided at term?

Answer 3

Penicillin’s and cephalosporins are safe during pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin can be used but avoided at term.

Question 4

Which antibiotics should be avoided in pregnancy?

Answer 4

Diaminopyrimidines and quinolones, particularly in the third trimester.

Question 5

Which antibiotics should be avoided in renal impairment?

Answer 5

Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, nitrofurantoin.