Newer Antimicrobial Agents

Abstract

Antibiotics proliferate. Physicians faced with evaluating a new agent should try to determine whether it has a better antibacterial spectrum than existing agents, whether it offers distinct pharmacologic advantages, and whether it has been used widely and diversely enough for toxic reactions to have become apparent. Since most new agents cost more than older ones and since toxic reactions are better defined in old agents, it is wise to be cautious in the use of new antibiotics.—HCN