[FEATURES OF THE USE OF ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Review of evolving guidelines for antibacterial drug use in novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
• Focus on diagnostic strategies influencing antibacterial therapy decisions.
• Addresses the role of antibiotics in managing secondary bacterial infections during the pandemic.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical changes in recommendations for antibacterial agents in COVID-19 treatment.
• To evaluate the evidence supporting different durations of antibiotic therapy.
• To identify strategies for optimizing antibiotic prescribing and mitigating adverse outcomes.

Summary:

• Antibacterial drug recommendations in COVID-19 guidelines have evolved, emphasizing diagnostics to guide therapy.
• Routine fluoroquinolone use should be limited due to safety concerns; short courses for community-acquired pneumonia are as effective as longer ones.
• Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions increase healthcare costs, promote antimicrobial resistance, and cause adverse effects.

Impact:

• Promotes judicious antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
• Informs clinical practice and policy for more effective and safer management of respiratory infections.
• Highlights the importance of updated guidelines and clinical pharmacology services in combating antibiotic misuse.