Tratamiento antibiótico

Abstract

Knowing antibiotics’ mechanism of action is of interest because with it, we can deduce important characteristics of each group of antibiotics and apply this knowledge to clinical practice. In this manner, we can better know the antibiotic spectrum, the preferred route of administration, the need to adjust according to kidney or liver function, or know if the antibiotic reaches sufficient levels at the site of infection. Antibiotics can have a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. The difference in activity tends to be related to the antimicrobial's mechanism of action, but also with the concentration of the antibiotic reached at the place of action. Bacterial cultures by means of an antibiogram allow us to determine the bacterial sensitivity of different antibiotics and predict the in vivo clinical outcome. Sensitivity or resistance is established through determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (IMC). The relationship of some pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters such as the maximum concentration, the area under the curve, and the IMC are decisive for decision-making regarding an antibiotic indication and dosage and thus for optimizing use and avoiding selecting for resistance.