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What these mean Common This antibiotic may be used for definitive therapy or empiric coverage (begin with wide spectrum for empiric therapy, then use the narrowest spectrum antibiotic available based on your microbial isolate). When comparing bacteria to infection type, this is a relatively common association. Sometimes This antibiotic may have efficacy, but there are usually better options for empiric coverage or definitive therapy. When comparing bacteria to infection type, this is a relatively uncommon association. Not effective / not associated This antibiotic is generally not effective. This bacteria generally does not cause this infection type. In selected group This antibiotic belongs to this class/group of antibiotics. Antibiotics Bacteria Infections
Antibiotics PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Vancomycin PO Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Erythro/Azithromycin Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Bacteria Strep ● ◐ MSSA ● ◐ MRSA ● ◐ VRE ● ◐ Entero- coccus ● ◐ GNRs ● ◐ Pseudo- monas ● ◐ ESCAPPM ● ◐ ESBL ● ◐ Anaerobes ● ◐ Atypicals ● ◐ Antibiotics Classes/Groups Penicillins Carbapenems Cephalosporins Aminoglycosides Macrolides Fluoroquinolones Tetracyclines PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Infection Types Some antibiotics matched to these indications should be used as part of a combination regimen
Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Zoonotics and STIs Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever × Clear selection How to use
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Antibiotic
PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Ampicillin: PO 250-500mg q6h, IV 50-200mg/kg IV/day Amoxicillin: PO 250-1000mg TID PCN G: IM or IV, dosing varies per indication Ampicillin covers Listeria, relevant for meningitis PCN does not cover gram negatives Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue CAP Lower GU Sometimes Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Endocarditis Aspiration PNA Upper GU Antibiotic
Naf/Oxacillin Nafcillin: IV/IM 2g q4h Oxacillin: IV 2g q4h Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis Sometimes HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Dicloxacillin Dicloxacillin: PO 125-500mg q6h Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Sometimes Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) IV 3g q6h May not cover Proteus Bacteria Common Strep MSSA Enterococcus GNRs Anaerobes Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis Aspiration PNA Biliary Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU Sometimes CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Spontaneous intraperitoneal GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) PO 500/125 TID or 875/125 BID IV (Europe only) 1000/200 q6h May not cover Proteus Bacteria Common Strep MSSA Enterococcus GNRs Anaerobes Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis Aspiration PNA Biliary Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU Sometimes CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Spontaneous intraperitoneal GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Bacteria Common Strep MSSA Enterococcus GNRs Pseudomonas Anaerobes Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue CAP Lower GU Antibiotic
Ertapenem IV/IM 1g q24h Convenient, once-per-day IV dosing Bacteria Common Strep MSSA GNRs ESCAPPM ESBL Anaerobes Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Meningitis CAP Lower GU Antibiotic
Mero/Dori/Imipenem Meropenem: IV 1g q8h Doripenem: IV 500mg q8h Imipenem-Cilastatin: IV 0.5-1g q6-q8h (higher for Pseudomonas), highest seizure risk Bacteria Common Strep MSSA GNRs Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Anaerobes Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue CAP Lower GU Antibiotic
Vancomycin IV, consult pharmacy for dosing Prefer Nafcillin for MSSA bacteremia Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Antibiotic
Vancomycin PO PO 125mg q6h C difficile only Antibiotic
Linezolid PO/IV 400-600 q12h Bacteriostatic agent. Consider alternative agents such as Vancomycin and Daptomycin for serious infections. Originally developed as antidepressant, risk of serotonin syndrome. Groups PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA VRE Enterococcus Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware VAP GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal Antibiotic
Daptomycin IV, consult pharmacy for dosing Do not use for lung infections Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA VRE Enterococcus Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Antibiotic
Cefazolin First generation IV/IM 1-1.5g q8h Used for surgical prophylaxis (2g IV within 60mins of incision, 3g if >120kg body weight). Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis Lower GU Sometimes CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Cephalexin First generation PO 250-1000mg q6h Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Lower GU Sometimes Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Cefoxitin Second generation anti-Bacteroides IV 2g q6-8h Infection types Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Cefotetan Second generation anti-Bacteroides IV/IM 1-3g q12h Infection types Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Ceftriaxone Third generation IV 1-2g q24h For meningitis: IV 2g q12h Reasonable oral anaerobe coverage for aspiration pneumonia. Cefotaxime is an IV alternative, but requires more frequent dosing. Availability is region-specific. Dosing increased for CNS infections Oral alternatives, such as cefpodoxime, are region-specific Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Sometimes Antibiotic
Ceftazidime Extended spectrum third generation IV/IM 1-2g q8-12h Consult pharmacy for meningitis dosing. Dosing increased for CNS infections Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Sometimes Antibiotic
Cefepime Fourth generation IV 1-2g q8-12h Dosing increased for CNS infections Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Antibiotic
Ceftaroline Fifth generation IV 600mg q12h Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA Enterococcus GNRs Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU Antibiotic
Aztreonam No allergic cross-reactivity with beta-lactams (exception: Ceftazidime) Great for penicillin allergies IV 1-2g q6-12h Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Antibiotic
Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin IV, dosing varies, consult pharmacy. Nephrotoxic, ototoxic. Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Antibiotic
Erythro/Azithromycin Azithromycin: IV 500mg daily used for CAP (along with Ceftriaxone), generally PO 250-500mg daily, dosing varies by indication Frequently used for STIs, MAC prophylaxis Erythromycin: multiple formulations are available for varied indications, ophthalmic solutions available for conjunctivitis, please refer to external resource Groups Macrolides PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Infection types Common CAP Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA GI Lower GU Antibiotic
Nitrofurantoin PO 5-7mg/kg/day divided q6h, 1-2mg/kg/day once daily for prophylaxis Only effective for lower GU infections Not effective in Serratia, Proteus, or Pseudomonas Antibiotic
Fosfomycin PO 3mg x1-3 doses (q3days) Only effective for lower GU infections Bacteria Common MSSA MRSA VRE Enterococcus GNRs Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Sometimes Antibiotic
Ciprofloxacin PO or IV 250-500mg q12h High rates of resistance in Pseudomonas Among fluoroquinolone, best activity against Pseudomonas Groups Fluoroquinolones PO Options Infection types Common Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Levofloxacin IV/PO 250-750mg daily High rates of resistance in Pseudomonas Groups Fluoroquinolones PO Options Bacteria Common Strep GNRs ESCAPPM Atypicals Sometimes Infection types Common CAP HCAP/HAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware VAP Aspiration PNA Antibiotic
Moxifloxacin PO or IV 400mg q24h Ophthalmic and topical solutions available for skin and eye infections. High rates of resistance in Pseudomonas. Not used for UTI (no urinary excretion) Groups Fluoroquinolones PO Options Bacteria Common Strep GNRs ESCAPPM Atypicals Sometimes Infection types Common CAP HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware VAP Antibiotic
TMP-SMX Generally PO, 1-2 DS tablets BID. Dosing varies. IV formulation available. PCP and toxoplasma prophylaxis (refer to external resource for dosing) Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware CAP GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Sometimes Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal Antibiotic
Doxycycline PO/IV 100mg q12h Frequently used for atypical and zoonotic diseases. Please refer to a more detailed resource. Groups Tetracyclines PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Bacteria Common Sometimes VRE Enterococcus GNRs ESCAPPM Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware CAP GI Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP Aspiration PNA Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Antibiotic
Tigecycline IV 100mg, then 50mg q12h Technically approved for skin-related and intra-abdominal infections Use is associated with higher risk of death Tigecycline should be reserved for situations when alternatives are not suitable May not cover Proteus Groups Tetracyclines PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs ESCAPPM Anaerobes Atypicals Sometimes Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware CAP HCAP/HAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Sometimes Line-associated Endocarditis VAP Aspiration PNA Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Antibiotic
Metronidazole PO or IV. Consult pharmacy for dosing. Also used for bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, giardiasis, C diff colitis, invasive amebiasis, some STIs Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Anaerobic infection under the diaphragm. Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Secondary intraabdominal GI Sometimes Aspiration PNA Biliary GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Antibiotic
Clindamycin PO 150-450mg q6-8h. IV 1.2-2.7g daily divided TID. Variable regional susceptibility patterns. Anaerobic infections above the diaphragm. High resistance in Bacteroides spp. Groups PO Options Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Aspiration PNA Sometimes Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Bacteria
Strep Antibiotics Common PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Clindamycin Sometimes Ceftriaxone Cefepime Erythro/Azithromycin Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Secondary intraabdominal GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal GI Lower GU Upper GU Bacteria
MSSA Antibiotics Common Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Fosfomycin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Clindamycin Sometimes Vancomycin Ceftriaxone Cefepime Erythro/Azithromycin Nitrofurantoin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Secondary intraabdominal GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Meningitis CAP Aspiration PNA Spontaneous intraperitoneal Bacteria
MRSA Antibiotics Common Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Ceftaroline Fosfomycin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Clindamycin Sometimes Infection types Common Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Secondary intraabdominal GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Meningitis CAP Aspiration PNA Spontaneous intraperitoneal Bacteria
VRE Variable resistance many antibiotics, check your local susceptibility patterns. Cell wall agent + aminoglycoside and other combination therapies may be considered with infectious disease consultation, especially for endocarditis. Antibiotics Common Linezolid Daptomycin Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Sometimes Infection types Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis Biliary Secondary intraabdominal Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Bacteria
Enterococcus If susceptible, ampicillin is the drug of choice. Cell wall agent + aminoglycoside and other combination therapies may be considered with infectious disease consultation, especially for endocarditis. Antibiotics Common PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Ceftaroline Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Sometimes Infection types Common Line-associated Endocarditis Secondary intraabdominal Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Meningitis Biliary Empiric therapy Bacteria
GNRs Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Tigecycline Sometimes PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Nitrofurantoin Doxycycline Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Endocarditis Aspiration PNA Bacteria
Pseudomonas Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Fosfomycin Sometimes Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated VAP Biliary Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Bacteria
ESCAPPM Antibiotics Common Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Sometimes Infection types Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis CAP HCAP/HAP VAP Aspiration PNA Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Bacteria
ESBL Antibiotics Common Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Fosfomycin Sometimes Infection types Sometimes Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Line-associated Meningitis Endocarditis HCAP/HAP VAP Biliary Spontaneous intraperitoneal Secondary intraabdominal GI Lower GU Upper GU GU with instrumentation Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Bacteria
Anaerobes Metronidazole and Vancomycin PO are used for C difficile infections Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin PO Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Sometimes Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftriaxone Moxifloxacin Infection types Common Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Aspiration PNA Biliary Secondary intraabdominal GI Empiric therapy Neutropenic fever Sometimes Superficial skin/soft tissue Spontaneous intraperitoneal GU with instrumentation Bacteria
Atypicals Antibiotics Common Erythro/Azithromycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Doxycycline Tigecycline Infection types Common CAP HCAP/HAP Empiric therapy Sometimes Infection type
Superficial skin/soft tissue Consider evaluating for gram negative infections and deep soft tissue infections if patient is diabetic and/or immunocompromised Antibiotics Common PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Vancomycin Linezolid Cefazolin Cephalexin Ceftaroline TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Clindamycin Sometimes Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Daptomycin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Erythro/Azithromycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Bacteria Common Sometimes VRE Enterococcus GNRs Pseudomonas ESCAPPM Anaerobes Infection type
Deep soft tissue, bone, and hardware Antibiotics Common Naf/Oxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Sometimes PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Dicloxacillin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Erythro/Azithromycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs Pseudomonas Anaerobes Sometimes VRE Enterococcus ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Line-associated Antibiotics Common Naf/Oxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Daptomycin Cefazolin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Sometimes Dicloxacillin Linezolid Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA Enterococcus GNRs Pseudomonas Sometimes Infection type
Meningitis Ampicillin used for Listeria coverage when treating meningitis Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Daptomycin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Sometimes Bacteria Common Sometimes MSSA MRSA VRE Enterococcus Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Endocarditis Antibiotics Common Naf/Oxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Daptomycin Cefazolin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Sometimes PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Dicloxacillin Linezolid Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA Enterococcus Sometimes VRE GNRs Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
CAP Most common regimens: fluoroquinolone or ceftriaxone + azithromycin Antibiotics Common PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Ceftriaxone Ceftaroline Erythro/Azithromycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Sometimes Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Infection type
HCAP/HAP Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Sometimes Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Linezolid Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Erythro/Azithromycin Ciprofloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs Atypicals Sometimes Infection type
VAP Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Sometimes Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftriaxone Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs Pseudomonas Sometimes Infection type
Aspiration PNA Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Moxifloxacin Clindamycin Sometimes PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Vancomycin Linezolid Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Erythro/Azithromycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Infection type
Biliary Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Sometimes Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline TMP-SMX Metronidazole Clindamycin Bacteria Common Sometimes Strep VRE Enterococcus ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Spontaneous intraperitoneal Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Sometimes Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Ciprofloxacin TMP-SMX Clindamycin Bacteria Common Sometimes Strep MSSA MRSA Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Anaerobes Infection type
Secondary intraabdominal Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Tigecycline Metronidazole Sometimes Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Ciprofloxacin TMP-SMX Clindamycin Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA Enterococcus GNRs Anaerobes Sometimes VRE Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
GI Frequently polymicrobial. Metronidazole and Vancomycin PO are used for C difficile infections Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin PO Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Sometimes Vancomycin Daptomycin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Erythro/Azithromycin Clindamycin Bacteria Common Sometimes Strep Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Lower GU For STIs, susceptibility is organism and region-specific. Please consult a more detailed resource. Nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are urinary agents that act in the bladder Antibiotics Common PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Cefazolin Cephalexin Ceftriaxone Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin TMP-SMX Sometimes Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Erythro/Azithromycin Doxycycline Tigecycline Bacteria Common Sometimes Strep VRE Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Upper GU Antibiotics Common Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Levofloxacin TMP-SMX Sometimes PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftaroline Ciprofloxacin Doxycycline Tigecycline Bacteria Common Sometimes Strep VRE Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
GU with instrumentation Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Sometimes Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ciprofloxacin Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA Enterococcus GNRs Sometimes VRE Pseudomonas ESCAPPM ESBL Anaerobes Infection type
Zoonotics and STIs Susceptibility is organism-specific. Please refer to a more detailed resource. Infection type
Empiric therapy Multiple drugs often used together to cover most likely organisms Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Erythro/Azithromycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Doxycycline Sometimes Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs Pseudomonas Anaerobes Atypicals Sometimes VRE Enterococcus ESCAPPM ESBL Infection type
Neutropenic fever Multiple drugs often used together to cover most likely organisms Cipro + Augmentin may be used as an outpatient regimen Antibiotics Common Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Mero/Dori/Imipenem Vancomycin Linezolid Daptomycin Cefepime Ceftaroline Aztreonam Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Erythro/Azithromycin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Doxycycline Sometimes Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Bacteria Common Strep MSSA MRSA GNRs Pseudomonas Anaerobes Sometimes Antibiotic class / group
Penicillins Antibiotics PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Naf/Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Ampicillin Sulbactam (Unasyn) Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn) Antibiotic class / group
Carbapenems Partial penicillin allergic cross-reactivity Antibiotics Ertapenem Mero/Dori/Imipenem Antibiotic class / group
Cephalosporins Antibiotics Cefazolin Cephalexin Cefoxitin Cefotetan Ceftriaxone Ceftazidime Cefepime Ceftaroline Antibiotic class / group
Aminoglycosides Antibiotics Amikacin/Gentamicin/Tobramycin Antibiotic class / group
Macrolides Antibiotic class / group
Fluoroquinolones Antibiotics Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Antibiotic class / group
Tetracyclines Antibiotic class / group
PO Options Antibiotics PCN/Amox/Ampicillin Dicloxacillin Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Vancomycin PO Linezolid Cephalexin Erythro/Azithromycin Nitrofurantoin Fosfomycin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin TMP-SMX Doxycycline Tigecycline Metronidazole Clindamycin Antibiotic class / group
Bacteriostatic (non-bacteriocidal) agents For serious infections, consider another antibiotic Clindamycin may be bacteriocidal at high concentrations Antibiotics Linezolid Erythro/Azithromycin Doxycycline Tigecycline Clindamycin