Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections, particularly life-threating infections such as sepsis or febrile neutropenia. In certain high-risk situations, these drugs may be clinically indicated and started at the first signs or symptoms of an infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be stopped as soon as the causative pathogen is known or suspected. Targeted antibiotic therapy should begin as soon as possible. When a broad-spectrum antibiotic is deemed necessary, it should be used for the shortest possible duration, according to guideline recommendations and the patient’s clinical response.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic Prescribing and Use in Hospitals and Long-Term Care. [Internet]. Updated 11 Apr 2017. [Accessed 29 Jan 2019].
Government of Canada. Antibiotic (antimicrobial) resistance: Protecting yourself and your family. [Internet]. Updated 13 Nov 2018. [Accessed 20 Dec 2018].
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Zalmanovici Trestioreanu A, et al. Antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Apr 8;4:CD009534. PMID: 25851268.