Access Antibiotics in the access group have a lower risk of
antibiotic resistance and are typically recommended as first- and second-line treatments of infections. They are generally inexpensive and safe. They should be readily available when needed, and are highlighted in green. Access group antibiotics include
amikacin,
amoxicillin,
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,
ampicillin,
benzylpenicillin,
cefalexin,
chloramphenicol,
clindamycin,
doxycycline,
Metronidazole and
nitrofurantoin. Nearly 60% can be taken by mouth.
Watch Antibiotics in the watch group are typically broad-spectrum antibiotics with a greater risk of resistance. They are generally only recommended if other options are not possible. They should be used carefully to save their effectiveness for those cases in which "access" antibiotics are not appropriate. Costs are also generally greater, and they are highlighted in yellow. Included in this category are
azithromycin,
Cefixime, several
cephalosporins,
ciprofloxacin,
clarithromycin, and
vancomycin. About 40% are available by mouth.
Reserve The reserve group are generally last line options and used for infections not treatable by other antibiotics, i.e.
multi-drug-resistant organisms. They are highlighted in red. Include in this category are
ceftazidime/avibactam,
colistin,
polymyxin B (by mouth and by injection), and
linezolid. The intravenous formulation of
fosfomycin is reserve while the by mouth formulation is watch. About 10% of this group is available by mouth.
Not recommended An occasionally included fourth group defines antibiotics whose use is not recommended. ==References==