Principles of use of antibacterial agents.
The selection of an antimicrobial regimen is based on a number of factors, including the nature of the infection, the identity and susceptibility of the pathogens, host characteristics, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial agents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these factors, with particular attention to pharmacokinetics and monitoring for efficacy and toxicity. A brief summary is also provided of some other topics discussed in detail elsewhere in this issue, such as susceptibility testing, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics parameters.
Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. mth3940@comcast.net
Margaret Trexler
MT
Hessen
Donald
D
Kaye
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents