title: Update on antimicrobial agents.
abstract: A variety of antimicrobial agents are currently in use to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Pharmacologic and microbiologic properties unique to the classes of drugs are reviewed in this article. Home parenteral antibiotics are an acceptable and efficacious way to treat certain infections and may lead to shorter hospitalizations. Knowledge of general drug characteristics, indications, and toxicities will help the nurse to manage effectively the patient receiving antimicrobial therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents