Switch Therapy: What Should Be Considered in Patients Using Antimicrobials?

Purpose of Review As to update the eligibilityThe goal of this review criteria for intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) antimicrobial switch therapy. By systematically revising the literature, we also aimed to highlight promising studies regarding the treatment of specific diseases and populations, in addition to identifying potential barriers to adherence to this practice.Recent FindingsRecent studies have shown promising results in osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, which were previously not considered suitable for the switch from intravenous to oral therapy due to the assumption that these severe infections require higher amounts of antimicrobial drugs in the tissue and therefore must be treated via the IV route. Recent studies in pediatric and neonatal patients have also demonstrated the safe application of IV-to-PO switch therapy, with no increase in rehospitalization rates, along with a reduction in hospital costs due to shorter lengths of stay.SummaryMedical literature touts numerous benefits to the practice, including reducing adverse reactions related to intravascular access, shorter hospital stays, and cost reduction. However, there remain many barriers to adherence. This article systematizes and structures the eligibility criteria for a safe transition from intravenous to oral antimicrobial therapy.