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
Used in empiric therapy for pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia, sepsis, complicated urinary tract infections, skin
Broad-spectrum use can disrupt normal microbiota, promote resistance, and increase risk of Clostridioides difficile infection. Therefore,
While valuable, broad-spectrum agents should be chosen judiciously; initial broad coverage may later be narrowed (de-escalation)