Antibacterial therapy of acute infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This article reviews the role of antibiotic therapy in the management of patients with acute infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Papers relevant to the issue are included in the review. Current antibiotic therapy of acute infectious exacerbation of COPD is directed at the most common pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Mild to moderate exacerbations of COPD are usually treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. Treatment with augmented penicillins, fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins or aminoglycosides may be considered in patients with more severe exacerbations.