Bredespectrumantibiotica

Bredespectrumantibiotica, the Dutch term for broad-spectrum antibiotics, are antimicrobial agents that are active against a wide range of bacteria, including many Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, and sometimes anaerobes. They are used when the infecting organism is unknown or when a mixed infection is suspected.

Common classes include beta-lactams such as amoxicillin-clavulanate and piperacillin-tazobactam, and cephalosporins of third and fourth generation (e.g., ceftriaxone, ceftazidime). Non-beta-lactam broad-spectrum agents include fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), doxycycline, and carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem).

Used in empiric therapy for pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia, sepsis, complicated urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gynecologic infections, particularly when the causative organisms are unclear.

Broad-spectrum use can disrupt normal microbiota, promote resistance, and increase risk of Clostridioides difficile infection. Therefore, stewardship aims to use narrow-spectrum agents when possible and de-escalate based on culture results.

While valuable, broad-spectrum agents should be chosen judiciously; initial broad coverage may later be narrowed (de-escalation) to minimize collateral damage.