Oral empirical treatment of pneumonia. The challenge of choosing the best agent.

Knowledge of the respiratory pathogens that cause pneumonia, combined with data obtained from the initial history, physical examination, and laboratory studies, provides the framework for an empirical approach to the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. Selection of empirical therapy is based in large part on which of three broad groups the patient belongs to: previously well young adults, adults who are older or have a history of smoking or alcoholism, or HIV-infected adults. Several newer oral agents offer subtle advantages and disadvantages when compared with traditional agents, and these must be carefully weighed when prescribing treatment.