Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which antibiotic is commonly prescribed for pneumonia based on the provided management guidelines?

1. Ciprofloxacin

2. Amoxicillin

3. Azithromycin

4. Doxycycline

The correct answer is: Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for pneumonia particularly when the causative organism is likely to be Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is one of the most common pathogens involved in community-acquired pneumonia. Guidelines generally recommend amoxicillin due to its effectiveness against this bacteria and its favorable safety profile. In many circumstances, especially when the pneumonia is suspected to be bacterial, amoxicillin is a first-line treatment option due to its excellent oral bioavailability and long history of clinical use. It is also often preferred for its lower side effect profile compared to some other antibiotics. Other antibiotics mentioned, such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, may be used in specific situations or for different types of pneumonia, including atypical pneumonia caused by organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae, but they are not the most commonly prescribed agents for typical pneumonia. Doxycycline also has its place in treating pneumonia, especially for atypical pathogens, but amoxicillin is typically favored as a first-line treatment.