Update on antimicrobial agents.

A variety of antimicrobial agents are currently in use to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Pharmacologic and microbiologic properties unique to the classes of drugs are reviewed in this article. Home parenteral antibiotics are an acceptable and efficacious way to treat certain infections and may lead to shorter hospitalizations. Knowledge of general drug characteristics, indications, and toxicities will help the nurse to manage effectively the patient receiving antimicrobial therapy.