Many different types of antibiotics can be used to treat community-acquired pneumonia. Your doctor will select the most appropriate antibiotic based on your infection and other medical conditions, the patterns of local antibiotic resistance, cost, and other patient-specific characteristics such as your age, weight, allergies, and previous antibiotic treatment.

First-line antibiotics that might be selected include the macrolide antibiotics azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin XL); or the tetracycline known as doxycycline.

Other appropriate antibiotics may include the fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as levofloxacin (Levaquin); or combined therapy of a beta-lactam such as amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) with a macrolide antibiotic.

See also: Medications to treat pneumonia