During that time the physician would prescribe antibiotics that were felt to be effective against a broad range of organisms. Once the results were available the antibiotics being given might or might not have to be changed depending on the results of the culture. However, once the results of the culture and sensitivity study is known it is incumbent on the physician to review the antibiotics. If the antibiotics being given to the patient are not effective and if the study results indicate that the organism is resistant to the antibiotics being given then the antibiotics have to be changed to those to which the organism is sensitive. In addition to the correct antibiotic being given it must be given in the appropriate dosage and the appropriate route.
Intravenous antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics.
Some antibiotics should be given orally and others intravenously. Some infections need high doses of intravenous antibiotics in order to gain appropriate results and the patient may have to stay on the antibiotics for a long period of time. The appropriate regimen must be selected to treat the particular infection that is occurring and should be started as soon as practicable. In too many instances the physician responds to the infection with an attitude that the therapy given has worked before and should work again. An excellent reference is the Physicians Desk Reference .