Antibiotic Therapy: Importance and Guidelines

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How are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections?

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that: Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent an infection. This is known as antibiotic prophylaxis. are more vulnerable to infection, for example, you’re over 75 or have a weakened immune system

What is the pharmacology of antibiotics?

Antibiotics are compounds that target bacteria and, thus, are intended to treat and prevent bacterial infections. The pharmacology behind antibiotics includes destroying the bacterial cell by either preventing cell reproduction or changing a necessary cellular function or process within the cell.

What is directed antibiotic therapy?

This approach is termed directed antibiotic therapy. Often, empiric antibiotics are broad-spectrum, which refers to medications targeting many different bacterial classes (i.e., gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria).

What are antibiotics used for?

Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by some germs (bacteria and certain parasites). A parasite is a type of germ that needs to live on or in another living being (host). Antibiotics do not work against infections that are caused by viruses - for example, the common cold or flu.

What are the guidelines for antibiotic treatment?

The guidelines give an up-to-date and useful outline of indications for antibiotic use, pathogens, investigations and non-antibiotic therapy. The occasional management flow diagrams also help to show key management steps. Special populations such as aged-care residents, immunocompromised patients and children are covered.

How are antibiotics given?

Most antibiotics are given by mouth, either as a liquid or a tablet. Some antibiotics can be applied directly to the eyes as eye drops or ointment. If you are in hospital, you might be given antibiotics through a drip (intravenously). Your doctor will choose the best way for you to receive your medicine.

What Is Antibiotic Therapy

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antibiotics
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/antibiotics-factsheet-5221124
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535443/
5. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)60140-7/fulltext
6. https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/antibiotic-therapy
8. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/antibiotics/overview-of-antibiotics
9. https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/antibiotics/

Antibiotic Therapy Information

1. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/therapeutic-guidelines-antibiotic-prescribing-primary-care-summary-table-2023
2. https://patient.info/infections/antibiotics-leaflet
3. https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/therapeutic-guidelines-antibiotic-version-15.html
4. https://brochures.mater.org.au/brochures/mater-pharmacy/antibiotics-information-for-patients-carers-and
5. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/january-february/better-antibiotic-prescribing
6. https://www.tg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/DownloadableWhatsNewAntibiotic2019.pdf