Antimicrobial adverse effects

As with all drugs, the specific side effects of the quinolones must be considered when they are chosen for treatment of bacterial infections [5]. Reactions of the gastrointestinal tract and the central neivous system are the most often observed adverse effects during therapy with quinolones. It should be underlined, however, that compared with many other antimicrobials, diarrhea is less frequently observed during quinolone treatment. Antibiotic-associated colitis has been observed rarely during quinolone therapy. Similarly, hypersensitivity reactions, as observed during therapy with penicillins and other (3-lactams, is less frequently caused by quinolones. Some other risks of quinolone therapy have been defined and must be considered if a drug from this class is chosen for treatment of bacterial infections. 

Empirical therapy should be based on patient- and antimicrobial-specific factors such as the anatomic location of the infection, the likely pathogens associated with the presentation, the potential for adverse effects, and the antimicrobial spectrum of activity. 

Drug-specific considerations in antimicrobial selection include the spectrum of activity, effects on nontargeted microbial flora, appropriate dose, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, adverse-effect and drug-interaction profile, and cost. 

Most initial antimicrobial therapy is empirical because cultures usually have not had sufficient time to identify a pathogen. Empirical therapy should be based on patient- and antimicrobial-specific factors such as the anatomic location of the infection, the likely pathogens associated with the presentation, the potential for adverse effects in a given patient, and the antimicrobial spectrum of activity. Prompt initiation of appropriate therapy is paramount in hospitalized patients who are critically ill. Patients who receive initial antimicrobial therapy that provides coverage against the causative pathogen survive at twice the rate of patients who do not receive adequate therapy initially.8... 

Host factors can help to ensure selection of the most appropriate antimicrobial agent. Age is an important factor in antimicrobial selection. With regard to dose and interval, renal and hepatic function varies with age. Populations with diminished renal function include neonates and the elderly. Hepatic function in the neonate is not fully developed, and drugs that are metabolized or eliminated by this route may produce adverse effects. For example, sulfonamides and ceftriaxone may compete with bilirubin for binding sites and may result in hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. Gastric acidity also depends on... 

After selection and initiation of antimicrobial regimen, there are a number of additional patient care and monitoring considerations that should be addressed to improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. Patient education, deescalation of antimicrobial therapy based on culture results, monitoring for clinical response and adverse effects, and appropriate duration of therapy are important. 

Provide patient education with regard to appropriate use of antimicrobials (e.g., dose, interval), adverse effects, and drug interactions (which may play a role in therapy failure and increased toxicity). 

Toxicity Monitor and assess for adverse effects and evaluate antimicrobial serum concentrations when appropriate to minimize toxicity and improve outcomes... 

Pathogen Recommended and Alternative Antimicrobial Therapy (Adult Doses Pediatric Doses) Adverse Effects/Safety Monitoring Duration (Days)... 

Long to, and higher tissue concentrations allow qd dosing however, the improved antimicrobial activity against Haemophilus influenzae and lower incidence of G1 adverse effects have not been realized with this agent azithromycin probably best choice pending further comparisons... 

All sulfonamides, including antimicrobial sulfas, diuretics, diazoxide, and the sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, have been considered to be partially cross-allergenic. Flowever, evidence for this is not extensive. The most common adverse effects are fever, skin rashes, exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulties referable to the urinary tract (see below). Stevens-Johnson syndrome, although relatively uncommon (ie, < 1% of treatment courses), is a particularly serious and potentially fatal type of skin and mucous membrane eruption associated with sulfonamide use. Other unwanted effects include stomatitis, conjunctivitis, arthritis, hematopoietic disturbances (see below), hepatitis, and, rarely, polyarteritis nodosa and psychosis. 

Effects on respiration are similar to those of thiopental at usual anesthetic doses. However, propofol causes a marked decrease in systemic blood pressure during induction of anesthesia, primarily through decreased peripheral resistance. In addition, propofol has greater negative inotropic effects on the heart than etomidate and thiopental. Apnea and pain at the site of injection are common adverse effects of bolus administration. Muscle movements, hypotonus, and (rarely) tremors have also been reported following its use. Clinical infections due to bacterial contamination of the propofol emulsion have led to the addition of antimicrobial adjuvants (eg, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and metabisulfite). 

Selective toxicity to the invading organism does not insure the host against adverse effects, since the drug may produce an allergic response or be toxic in ways unrelated to the drug s antimicrobial activity. 

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