Reducing the frequency of COPD exacerbations with antimicrobial therapy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are a leading cause of hospitalization in the United States, incurring a large financial burden on the healthcare system and placing significant strain on patient quality of life. Adding empiric antimicrobial agents, specifically macrolides, to the medical regimen of patients with severe COPD has been shown to reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbation. Although prophylactic macrolide therapy may relieve COPD burden, providers should consider the consequences of long-term antimicrobial utilization before prescribing these drugs.