Safety Assurance in Antimicrobial Therapy

Abstract

AbstractThe toxicity of penicillins and cephalosporins per se is low but they cause hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. These antibiotics also disturb the ecological balance of the normal flora and lead to antibiotic associated colitis or other systemic superinfections in immunocompromised hosts. Aminoglycosides are oto‐ and nephrotoxic, erythromycin estolate causes sometimes liver function abnormalities, and clindamycin in particular causes pseudomembranous colitis. Chloramphenicol has been associated with aplastic anemia and gray baby syndrome, and tetracycline with discoloration of the teeth of infants.To avoid adverse effects and to assure the safety of antimicrobial therapy, one should avoid unnecessary antibiotic administration, and make the duration of antibiotic therapy as short as possible. Blood levels of chloramphenicol or aminoglycosides have to be monitored in cases with lowered renal function and in prolonged therapy.