Newer oral antimicrobials from the beta-lactam, macrolide, and fluoroq
uinolone groups offer effective albeit more expensive alternatives to
traditional agents in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (C
AP). Because of their activity against several causative organisms, or
al macrolide antibiotics may be adequate as empiric therapy for young,
previously healthy adults with CAP. For outpatient treatment of elder
ly patients or patients with significant co-existing disease, beta-lac
tam antibiotics with excellent activity against enteric gram-negative
bacteria are preferred. The fluoroquinolones are reasonable choices wh
en there is a presumed gram-negative pathogen or in patients with a hi
story of beta-lactam hypersensitivity.