When should MRSA coverage be added empirically?

MRSA coverage (vancomycin, linezolid, or daptomycin) should be added when: previous MRSA infection or colonization, recent hospitalization, nursing home resident, IV drug use, dialysis-dependent, or presence of purulent skin/soft tissue infection.

How long should empiric antibiotics be continued before de-escalating?

Reassess at 48–72 hours once culture and sensitivity results are available. De-escalate to the narrowest appropriate agent, reduce duration based on clinical response, and use procalcitonin-guided protocols where available.

Empiric Antibiotic Selection by Infection Type

Guides empiric antibiotic therapy: CAP — amoxicillin ± macrolide (outpatient), β-lactam + macrolide or respiratory FQ (inpatient). HAP/VAP — piperacillin-tazobactam + vancomycin ± aminoglycoside. UTI (uncomplicated) — nitrofurantoin or TMP-SMX. Skin/soft tissue — cephalexin (mild), vancomycin (MRSA risk). Intra-abdominal — piperacillin-tazobactam or cefoxitin.

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

Empiric Antibiotic Selection by Infection Type

Frequently Asked Questions

When should MRSA coverage be added empirically?

How long should empiric antibiotics be continued before de-escalating?