Expert reviewed • 08 January 2025 • 3 minute read
Pharmaceutical interventions, including antibiotics and antivirals, have revolutionised infectious disease management. Balancing effectiveness with sustainable use is crucial to ensure these tools remain potent against evolving pathogens.
Initial treatments may use broad-spectrum antibiotics, narrowing to targeted therapies based on test results. Reserve antibiotics address resistant infections, maintained under strict stewardship protocols.
Drug Class | Primary Use | Resistance Management |
---|---|---|
Broad Spectrum | Initial treatment | Short, controlled courses |
Narrow Spectrum | Targeted therapy | Diagnostic guidance |
Reserve Antibiotics | Resistant infections | Strict access protocols |
Combination therapies limit resistance by attacking pathogens through multiple mechanisms. Monitoring programmes detect emerging resistance patterns, prompting timely interventions. Equitable distribution ensures access in diverse settings, while ongoing evaluation of outcomes and side effects refines approaches.
Key Considerations: