Antimicrobial agents: pharmacology and clinical application in obstetric, gynecologic, and perinatal infections

The pharmacology of selective antimicrobial agents and their role in the treatment of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal infections is the focus of this clinical review. Defining and refining the use of antimicrobial therapy is significant on both an individual and a global level because the emergence of resistant organisms is a public health concern. Heath care providers must be knowledgeable about the risks and benefits of initiating pharmacologic treatment based on clinical evidence with regard to an agent's spectrum of activity, efficacy, and side effects.