For the patient Lower risk of adverse events related to IV route: Infiltration or extravasation of antimicrobial agent, hematoma, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis13 Catheter-related infections and bacteremia14,15 Pain or discomfort16 Fluid overload in fluid-restricted patients, such as some patients with renal or cardiac disease Increased ease of mobility16 Better quality of life (some patients feel less “medicalized”) Earlier discharge from the hospital,17–20 thereby decreasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections

For the health care team Pharmacy: Shorter medication preparation time Nursing: Reduced time required to administer and monitor antimicrobial agents No risk of needlestick injuries

For the hospital and the environment Lower costs: Drug acquisition cost for oral form generally lower than IV form Shorter preparation and administration time for antimicrobial agent Reduced length of stay Reduced rate of hospital-acquired infections Saving of “bed-days” from earlier discharge Reduced waste (e.g., tubing, expired IV bags)