The Niagara Health Antimicrobial Handbook for Adults has been produced by the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
The antimicrobial selections represent empiric treatment options for adults only. Treatments should be modified when culture results are available.
Antimicrobial choices are listed in the order of preference, where the first alternative listed is considered first-line and the rest are second or third options.
It is important to determine the patient’s antibiotic history in the last three months. If the patient has been exposed to antibiotics within this timeframe, consider selecting an antibiotic from a different class to avoid treatment failure secondary to antibiotic resistance.
This document was prepared solely for the use of Physicians, Residents, Learners, and Pharmacists when practicing at Niagara Health. Please seek permission to reproduce any part of this publication outside the Niagara Health.