Antimicrobial agents/therapy regimen

Figure 66-4 provides an overview of patient- and antimicrobial agent-specific factors to consider when selecting an antimicrobial regimen. It further delineates monitoring of therapy and actions to take depending on the patients response to therapy. The duration of therapy depends on patient response and type of infection being treated. 

Pregnant women Same for nonpregnant adults (the high death rate from the infection outweighs the risk posed by the antimicrobial agent) IV treatment initially. Switch to oral antimicrobial therapy when clinically appropriate. Oral therapy regimens same for nonpregnant adults... 

Oral antimicrobial therapy may be used for osteomyelitis to complete a parenteral regimen in children who have had a good clinical response to intravenous antibiotics and in adults without diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease when the organism is susceptible to the oral antimicrobial, a suitable oral agent is available, and compliance is ensured. 

---