Optimal antimicrobial duration for common bacterial infections

Abstract

Most antibiotic use in Australia arises from prescriptions in the community. The risk of antibiotic-related adverse events, including resistance, increases with longer treatment courses. When antibiotics are indicated for treatment, short courses are as effective as standard ones for most common infections. Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic is a key reference for antimicrobial prescribing in Australia. General practitioners play a key role in reducing antibiotic use.