AI Snips
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Five Questions Before Starting Antibiotics
- Ask five questions before starting antibiotics: is it infectious, do I have time, are tests needed, what's the site, and is source control required.
- Use those answers to avoid reflexive broad-spectrum starts and guide targeted therapy.
Use Broad Antibiotic Buckets
- Group antibiotics mentally: beta-lactams, anti-MRSA agents, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and others to simplify choices.
- Use the group properties (e.g., beta-lactams for many typicals, doxy for atypicals) when selecting empiric therapy.
Don't Forget Old Penicillin Uses
- Use plain penicillin for streptococcal infections like strep throat and for syphilis when appropriate.
- Don't assume older agents are obsolete; match drug to organism and syndrome.