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Therapeutic Concepts in Drug Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infection

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Summary

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) poses a serious threat to the health of patients in all age groups. Low birthweight, poor nutritional status, smoking, overcrowding and breathing polluted air may predispose one to the development of this disorder. While viruses are the main pathogens, different bacteria are involved in upper and lower RTI When identifying the offending bacterial pathogen, one must take into account local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Selection of an appropriate antibiotic requires consideration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and antibacterial activity to ensure the use of drugs that will aid patient compliance with the prescribed regimen. Additional factors in the decision of which antimicrobial to use include in vitro susceptibility, proven efficacy in controlled clinical trials, low cost, safety and good oral absorption. In this regard, macrolides, particularly the newer agents such as roxithromycin, may be considered effective therapy in RTI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Diseases and Immunology Dept., Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Montes Urales 800 5° Piso, Lomas Virreyes, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico

    José-Luis Arredondo-García

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  1. José-Luis Arredondo-García
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Arredondo-García, JL. Therapeutic Concepts in Drug Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infection. Drug Invest 3 (Suppl 3), 33–37 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03258333

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