Aerosolized antibiotics in cystic fibrosis: current and future trends.

Chronic bacterial infection is one of the key challenges in caring for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Effective infection control requires appropriate administration of antibiotics. Inhaled antibiotics play a pivotal role in CF management. Pathogens in CF patients target the lumen of the lung, a cavity that is difficult to access via the oral or intravenous route. Aerosolized antibiotics deliver effective local drug concentrations to the infection site and decrease the risk of systemic side effects associated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. However, effective aerosolized antibiotic therapy must ensure reliable drug delivery to the lower respiratory tract with a beneficial pharmacodynamic profile and high potency.