Safely Doing Less Antibiotics: Evidence to Guide Duration and Route of Administration in Common Pediatric Infections

Abstract

The growing evidence detailing the harmful effects of exposure to antibiotics has driven an urgency to evaluate recommendations in common pediatric infections regarding antibiotic course duration and route of administration. The past decade has produced strong evidence in support of many patients with uncomplicated common pediatric infections receiving shortened antibiotic durations and early conversion from intravenous to oral antibiotics. In this review, we offer guidance to providers in selection of duration and route of administration in a subset of common pediatric infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and infections of the head and neck. [ Pediatr Ann . 2024;53(6):e229–e233.]