- The primary objective in managing infectious diseases is to effectively eliminate the pathogen while minimizing harm to the patient.
- Achieving this balance involves selecting appropriate antimicrobial agents that not only target the infection but also reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and toxicity.
- Minimizing adverse effects ensures better patient compliance and overall treatment success.
- Overly aggressive treatment with high toxicity or indiscriminate broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to complications and antimicrobial resistance.
- Therefore, careful drug selection and monitoring for side effects are essential components of safe and effective therapy.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd Edition, Chapter: Infectious Diseases, Page 742.