December 7, 2017

Before selecting an antibacterial the clinician must first consider two factors—the patient and the known or likely causative organism. Factors related to the patient which must be considered include a history of allergy, renal and hepatic function, susceptibility to infection, ability to tolerate drugs by mouth, severity of illness, ethnic origin, age, whether taking other medication and, if female, whether pregnant, breast-feeding or taking an oral contraceptive. The known or likely organism and its antibacterial sensitivity, in association with the above factors, will suggest one or more antibacterial, the final choice depending on the microbiological, pharmacological, and toxicological properties.