Antibiotics are grouped based on the UK-AWaRe classification. These are:
Access Access antibiotics are with a narrow spectrum of activity, fewer side effects, lower costs, and importantly lower resistance potential. These are first or second choice antibiotics recommended for empiric treatment of the most common infections and should be widely available. That is to say, these antibiotics should offer the best therapeutic value while minimizing the potential for resistance.
Watch Watch antibiotics have a higher resistance potential and are broader-spectrum antibiotics. These are first or second choice antibiotics indicated for a limited number of infective syndromes. As these antibiotics are considered to have a higher potential for selection of AMR, their use should be carefully monitored.
Reserve Reserve antibiotics are “last resort” antibiotics, including new antibiotics. These are used for highly selected patients (life-threatening infections due to multi-drug-resistant bacteria) and are closely monitored and prioritized as targets of stewardship programmes to ensure continued effectiveness.
Resistance
Rolling monthly average percent of E. coli bacteraemia resistant to co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin or piperacillin with tazobactam
Resistance data for rolling monthly average percent of E. coli bacteraemia resistant to co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin or piperacillin with tazobactam
The ESPAUR report includes national data on antimicrobial prescribing and resistance, antimicrobial stewardship implementation, and awareness activities.