Table 7.

Initial empiric therapy for VAP

VAP With No Risk Factors for MDR Pathogens	VAP With Risk Factors for MDR Pathogens
Ceftriaxone or Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ciprofloxacin or Ampicillin/sulbactam or Ertapenem	Antipseudomonal cephalosporin (cefepime, ceftazidime) or Antipseudomonal carbapenem (imipenem or meropenem) or β-Lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (piperacillin-tazobactam) plus Antipseudomonal fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) or Aminoglycoside (amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin) plus Linezolid or vancomycin (if risk factors for MRSA are present)

From Joseph NM, Sistla S, Dutta TK, et al. Ventilator-associated pneumonia: a review. Eur J Intern Med 2010;21:360–8; with permission.