Empiric antibiotic treatment may be considered in those with moderate to severe COPD exacerbation (at least 2 of the 3 symptoms below) or requiring hospitalization:
Azithromycin 500mg po/IV q24h x 3 doses OR 500mg po/IV x 1, then 250mg po q24h x 4 doses
OR
Cefuroxime 500mg po q12h
Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875mg po q12h
Moxifloxacin 400mg po/IV q24h
LevoFLOXacin 500mg po/IV q24h
Risk Factors for Pseudomonas
LevoFLOXacin 750mg po/IV q24h
Ciprofloxacin 750mg po q12h OR Ciprofloxacin 400mg IV q8h
3-5 days for outpatients