Treatment of gram-negative infections.

The armamentarium of antimicrobial agents for treatment of gram-negative infections has increased tremendously over the past 10 to 15 years. This article considers the characteristics of gram-negative bacteria. Also discussed are the mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, toxicity, disposition, and drug interactions of various antimicrobial agents, including the aminoglycosides, beta-lactam antibiotics, quinolones, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and the polymyxins.