Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.2K

Incidence of and risk factors for side effects associated with antibiotic treatment for pneumonia

Nobuyoshi Hamao1, Isao Ito2, Satoshi Konishi3

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy : Official Journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy
|August 10, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Beta-lactam antibiotics for pneumonia can cause side effects like diarrhea and elevated liver enzymes. Broad-spectrum antibiotics increased diarrhea risk, while cefotiam and meropenem were linked to liver enzyme changes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Beta-lactam antibiotics are frequently prescribed for pneumonia.
  • Understanding their side effect profile is crucial for patient safety.
  • Community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia require effective antibiotic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the incidence of side effects from beta-lactam antibiotics used in pneumonia treatment.
  • To determine risk factors associated with specific side effects.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding antibiotic selection and monitoring.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 1162 pneumonia patients between 2002 and 2012.
  • Administration of various beta-lactam antibiotics including ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefotiam, ceftriaxone, cefepime, imipenem/cilastatin, and meropenem.
  • Multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for observed side effects.

Main Results:

  • Diarrhea occurred in 15.0% of patients, elevated liver enzymes in 4.5%, and skin rash in 2.4%.
  • Risk factors for diarrhea included female sex and use of piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, or imipenem/cilastatin.
  • Cefotiam and meropenem use were significantly associated with elevated liver enzyme levels.

Conclusions:

  • Broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics are associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea.
  • Specific antibiotics like cefotiam and meropenem show a link to elevated liver enzyme levels.
  • No significant risk factors were identified for skin rashes associated with these antibiotics.
Keywords:
AntibioticAntibiotic-associated diarrheaDrug-induced liver injuryPneumoniaSide effects

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness12:21

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness

Published on: September 28, 2022

2.6K
A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii09:17

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii

Published on: January 2, 2017

14.8K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
329
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
447
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
437
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
2.5K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
556
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.3K