Antimicrobial chemotherapy in intensive care units

Antimicrobial chemotherapy for bacterial infection falls into two major categories: definitive therapy and empiric therapy. Definitive therapy is performed when bacterial pathogens are unequivocal. Empiric therapy is instituted to save the patient's life before identifying the bacterial pathogens by inferring their nature and resistance to drugs. It is commonly employed when chemotherapy is required in the ICU.Regardless of which category of chemotherapy is performed, in addition to the patient's pathophysiological and general condition, biological pharmacokinetics and the safety of the antimicrobials, may have to be considered when selecting antimicrobials and deciding how to use them. The patient should be followed thoroughly to identify bacterial pathogens and alternative bacteria, and to clarify the reason the therapy was not effective.