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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Prescribe Medicines For Pneumonia

As a pensioner I was given clarithromycin in place of biaxin because the dosage prescribed was 500mg and the pharmacy said the government does not cover pensioner for 500mg so they gave me the other drug at 250mg and double the prescription is this the correct thing to do to a senior will the other drug give the same effect on the pneumonia
Tue, 20 Jan 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
No this is not the correct way to treat pneumonia in elder patients.
Elders are at risk for severe pneumonia if not properly treated. So any pneumonia in old age should be treated cautiously and correctly according to guidelines.
Ideal way to treat pneumonia is
1. Identification of causative organism buy either sputum culture or bronchoscopy and BAL ( Bronchoalveolar lavage) Analysis.
2. Once causative organism is isolated than find the antibiotics effective against it by sensitivity report.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done culture and sensitivity report. Than start antibiotics according to the sensitivity report.
This will fasten the recovery, prevent unnecessary use of antibiotic and improve the outcome.
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Prescribe Medicines For Pneumonia

Thanks for your question on HCM. No this is not the correct way to treat pneumonia in elder patients. Elders are at risk for severe pneumonia if not properly treated. So any pneumonia in old age should be treated cautiously and correctly according to guidelines. Ideal way to treat pneumonia is 1. Identification of causative organism buy either sputum culture or bronchoscopy and BAL ( Bronchoalveolar lavage) Analysis. 2. Once causative organism is isolated than find the antibiotics effective against it by sensitivity report. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done culture and sensitivity report. Than start antibiotics according to the sensitivity report. This will fasten the recovery, prevent unnecessary use of antibiotic and improve the outcome.