Which antibiotics are typically used for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)?

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is primarily managed with antibiotics that cover the most common pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that provides excellent coverage against atypical bacteria often implicated in CAP, while ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin that is particularly effective against certain strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, especially in more severe cases or in patients needing hospitalization.

Using azithromycin in combination with ceftriaxone allows for a dual approach: the macrolide addresses atypical organisms while ceftriaxone covers typical organisms effectively. This combination is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe CAP or those with comorbid conditions.

Alternative options, like the ones involving Bactrim, doxycycline, or clindamycin, may sometimes be appropriate, but they are not the first-line choices recommended in the latest guidelines for the treatment of CAP. Bactrim, for instance, is not generally used for CAP, while clindamycin is more reserved for specific scenarios, such as aspiration pneumonia. Hence, the combination of azithromycin and ceftriaxone stands out as