What is "antibiotic cycling"?

Antibiotic cycling refers to a method of rotating different classes of antibiotics over time. This strategy is designed to minimize the development of antibiotic resistance by alternating between various antibiotic agents rather than continuously using the same one. By cycling through different classes, it helps disrupt the selective pressure that can lead to resistant bacteria emerging. This approach can potentially preserve the efficacy of antibiotics and enhance patient outcomes, thereby supporting the overall goals of an antimicrobial stewardship program.

The other options describe practices that are not aligned with the principles of antibiotic stewardship. For example, using the same antibiotic continuously can contribute to increased resistance, while strategies to eliminate the need for antibiotics altogether may not be practical in all clinical situations. Increasing doses of antibiotics may also lead to toxicity and does not address resistance concerns as effectively as rotation does.