Important considerations when prescribing antimicrobial therapy include obtaining an accurate diagnosis of infection; understanding the difference between empiric and definitive therapy; identifying opportunities to switch to narrow-spectrum, cost-effective oral agents for the shortest duration necessary; understanding drug characteristics that are peculiar to antimicrobial agents (such as pharmacodynamics and efficacy at the site of infection); accounting for host characteristics that influence antimicrobial activity; and in turn, recognizing the adverse effects of antimicrobial agents on the host.
Full Answer
How do you determine the efficacy of antimicrobial agents?
In addition to possessing in vitro antimicrobial activity and achieving adequate serum levels, the efficacy of antimicrobial agents depends on their capacity to achieve a concentration equal to or greater than the MIC at the site of infection and modification of activity at certain sites.
Should all practicing physicians use antimicrobial agents?
By following these general principles, all practicing physicians should be able to use antimicrobial agents in a responsible manner that benefits both the individual patient and the community.
What are antimicrobial agents?
Antimicrobial agents are some of the most widely, and often injudiciously, used therapeutic drugs worldwide.
What is the role of Microbiology in the identification of antibiotics?
Once microbiology results have helped to identify the etiologic pathogen and/or antimicrobial susceptibility data are available, every attempt should be made to narrow the antibiotic spectrum.
What are the factors determining choice of an antimicrobial agent?
Host Factors to Be Considered in Selection of Antimicrobial AgentsRenal and Hepatic Function. ... Age. ... Genetic Variation. ... Pregnancy and Lactation. ... History of Allergy or Intolerance. ... History of Recent Antimicrobial Use.
What are the principles of antimicrobial therapy?
Main focus of antimicrobial therapy is selective targeted therapy in order to avoid toxicity to the host and to avoid emergence of resistance. This is achieved by understanding the PK/PD parameters of antimicrobials such as bactericidal and static nature, spectrum of activity, host factors, and biology of the organism.
What are antimicrobials used to treat?
Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.
What are the categories of antimicrobial agents?
There are three types of public health antimicrobials: sterilizers, disinfectants, and sanitizers.
What are the 3 different categories of antimicrobial agents?
Examples: Antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants.
How antimicrobial medicines are used to treat common infections?
They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading. Antibiotics aren't effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, most coughs and sore throats.
Which of the following is an important characteristic of antimicrobial drugs?
Important characteristics of antimicrobial drugs include: -readily delivered to the site of infection. -high toxicity against microbial cells. -do not cause serious side effects in humans.
How do antimicrobials work?
Antimicrobials work at a cellular level to continually disrupt and prevent the growth of microorganisms. By creating an inhospitable environment for microorganisms like bacteria, mold and mildew, antimicrobials protect everyday products like countertops, toys, surface coatings, textiles and hospital equipment.