Optimizing Antimicrobial Regimens

Abstract

An antimicrobial regimen describes the dose, route, frequency, length of treatment, and milk and meat withdrawal times. As changes in antimicrobial susceptibility testing occur (see "Preparing for a Revolution in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing" in these proceedings), our understanding of how to design regimens grows, and antimicrobial therapy will become more complicated but also more effective. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss what we currently know about selecting a regimen based on the bacteria isolated (or presumed), the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the antimicrobial selected for therapy, and clinical results.