What is the recommended outpatient treatment for community-acquired pneumonia?

The recommended outpatient treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) includes the use of azithromycin or clarithromycin. These antibiotics are effective against the common pathogens responsible for CAP, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae and atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

Azithromycin and clarithromycin are macrolide antibiotics that possess good bioavailability and can be taken orally, making them suitable for outpatient management. Their use is supported by clinical guidelines that prioritize treating the infection effectively while also considering patient compliance and ease of administration.

In contrast, options focusing on intravenous antibiotics are generally reserved for more severe cases requiring hospitalization, while bed rest and hydration, although beneficial for supportive care, do not address the underlying bacterial infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide symptomatic relief but do not treat the pneumonia itself. Therefore, the use of azithromycin or clarithromycin is the preferred approach for managing mild to moderate cases of CAP in an outpatient setting.