Appropriate antibiotic therapy for community-acquired respiratory tract infections.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are expensive for MCOs and cause significant morbidity among their members. Although awareness of resistance to antibiotics is increasing, antibiotic selection for community-acquired RTIs remains largely empiric. When making formulary decisions, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees may want to consider the spectrum of coverage that an antibiotic provides and its vulnerability to resistance development. Through appropriate formulary management and provider education, MCOs can promote successful clinical and economic outcomes. This article examines the current status of antibiotic therapy for community-acquired RTIs and encourages the incorporation of new parameters into MCO formulary decision processes.
Gerbino
Philip P
PP
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. pgerbino@usip.edu
Brixner
Diana
D
Sbarbaro
John
J
Nicolau
David
D
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014481:United States
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents