Recently introduced antibiotics: A guide for the general physician

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem Oxazolidinones are the only new class of antibiotics to be developed in the last 30 years Linezolid is active against gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and (vancomycin) glycopeptide-resistant enterococcus Linezolid has excellent oral bioavailability which has been associated with reduced hospital inpatient stay Moxifloxacin can be used as a single agent in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Treatment of infective episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may reduce the number of subsequent exacerbations in comparison with other antibiotics Telithromycin is a ketolide antibiotic related to the macrolides and can be used as single agent therapy for CAP Ertapenem is a once daily carbapenem antibiotic effective in intra-abdominal and gynaecological infections.