Optimal use of β-lactam antibiotics.

This chapter focuses on the optimal use of β-lactam antibiotics in light of the current climate of antibiotic resistance and the need for antibiotic stewardship. To provide a foundation for the optimal use of these diverse agents, the first part of the chapter provides an overview of the principles of β-lactam activity and pharmacology; the second part presents the evidence for optimizing their use in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.