Which antibiotics are commonly used for empiric outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia?

Doxycycline and macrolides, such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, are commonly used for the empiric outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to their effectiveness against typical pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and atypical organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. These antibiotics are often preferred in outpatient settings because they have broad coverage, a favorable safety profile, and good oral bioavailability.

Doxycycline is particularly useful because of its activity against both typical and atypical pathogens, making it a versatile choice. Macrolides not only cover common pathogens but also play a role in respiratory infections due to their anti-inflammatory properties. This combination of coverage and tolerability aligns well with the need for empiric treatment in outpatient settings where patients may not have access to additional diagnostics.

Other options may be suitable in specific scenarios, but doxycycline or macrolides are the frontline choices recommended by several guidelines for treating uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia in outpatient populations.