Approach to antibiotic therapy for S. pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bronchiectasis exacerbations in adults

Only use antibiotic therapy for adults with an exacerbation of bronchiectasis who meet the criteria for antibiotic therapy – see Principles of antibiotic therapy for bronchiectasis exacerbations in adults. For clinically stable adults with bronchiectasis who are known to be colonised with Streptococcus pneumoniae, do not use antibiotic therapy.

Oral therapy is recommended whenever possible for S. pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bronchiectasis exacerbations in adults. Use intravenous therapy for patients with severe respiratory symptoms (eg worsening respiratory distress or hypoxemia from baseline) or for those who have not responded to or are unable to tolerate or absorb oral therapy.