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Transitional (intravenous to oral) antibiotic therapy
R Quintiliani1, E Grant, R Quintiliani
1Anti-infective Research & Pharmacoeconomic Studies, Hartford Hospital, CT 06102, USA.
Le Journal Medical Libanais. the Lebanese Medical Journal
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Switching from intravenous to oral antibiotics for stable infections can reduce costs and complications. This review highlights common infections treatable with oral medications, improving patient care and resource management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Clinicians often prefer parenteral (intravenous) antibiotics for serious infections due to perceived better outcomes.
- Parenteral antibiotic therapy incurs significant indirect costs, including increased labor, supplies, and risk of nosocomial bacteremia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the shift from parenteral to oral antibiotic therapy for managing common infections.
- To provide evidence supporting the use of oral antibiotics in clinically stable patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacodynamic and pharmacoeconomic data.
- Analysis of clinical guidelines and literature on antibiotic bioavailability.
- Identification of common infections suitable for oral treatment.
Main Results:
- Numerous antibiotics with high oral bioavailability are now available.
- Oral therapy can effectively manage various infections, including pneumonias, intra-abdominal infections, UTIs, and skin/soft tissue/bone infections.
- Transitioning to oral agents can mitigate indirect costs associated with parenteral administration.
Conclusions:
- Traditional prescribing of long-term parenteral antibiotics should be re-evaluated.
- Oral antibiotic therapy is a viable and cost-effective alternative for many infections in stable patients.
- Optimizing antibiotic selection can improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare expenses.