Antibiotic Use In Respiratory Tract Infections (5)

Azithromycin is recommended as an option for first-line treatment

Doxycycline or a respiratory fluoroquinolone should be instituted in most uncomplicated cases

Fidaxomicin is now indicated as a primary treatment option

Antibiotic use is frequently ineffective, given that most cases are viral

Temperature >101.1°F (38.39°C)

Facial pain lasting 3 days or longer

Worsening symptoms after an illness lasting 5 days had begun improving

Persistent symptoms lasting longer than 10 days

Colored sputum indicates bacterial infection necessitating antibiotic treatment

Longer cough duration suggests a need for antibiotic treatment

Suspicion of pneumonia is the primary indication to initiate antibiotic treatment

Routine chest x-ray is indicated in all cases to determine the need for antibiotic treatment

Antihistamines and nasal saline irrigation are proven treatments for cold symptom relief

NSAIDs are contraindicated if antibiotic treatment is initiated

A change in nasal discharge color is an indication for antibiotic initiation

Educate patients that symptoms may last as long as 2 weeks and do not initiate antibiotics

First-line treatment includes azithromycin and clindamycin

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to the results of a rapid antigen detection test is recommended in symptomatic patients

Penicillin V remains a first-line therapy due to its reliable antibiotic activity against group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) infection

Severe, persistent sore throat alone is an indication for antibiotic therapy