TABLE 1.

Therapeutic interchange of antimicrobial agents

Original drug and dose		Substituted drug and dose
Ampicillin 250–500 mg q6h po	→	Amoxicillin 250–500 mg q8h po
Cephalothin 1–2 g q4h IV	→	Cefazolin 1–2 g q8h IV
Cefamandole 1–2 g q6h IV	→	Cefuroxime 0.75 g q8h IV
Cefoxitin 1–2 g q6h IV	→	Cefotetan 1 g q12h IV
Cefotaxime 2 g q8h IV	→	Ceftriaxone 1 g q24h IV
Cefotaxime 2 g q4h IV	→	Ceftriaxone 2 g q12h IV
Tobramycin 1.5 mg/kg q8–24h IV	→	Gentamicin 1.5 mg/kg q8–24h IV
Clindamycin 600 mg q6h IV	→	Clindamycin 600 mg q8h IV
Vancomycin 125 mg q6h po	→	Metronidazole 500 mg q8h po

IV Intravenously; po Orally