Final answer:
The first-line antibiotics for high-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) include β-lactams such as penicillin, but resistance to these drugs is increasing. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones may be prescribed as alternatives. Combination therapy with a β-lactam and a macrolide or a β-lactam and a fluoroquinolone is also used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line antibiotics for 'non-healthy' (high-risk) patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) include β-lactams like penicillin, but resistance to β-lactams is a growing problem. When β-lactam resistance is a concern, macrolides and fluoroquinolones may be prescribed. However, S. pneumoniae resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones is increasing as well, limiting the therapeutic options. It is important to note that in recent times, physicians have been prescribing a combination therapy which includes a β-lactam and a macrolide or a β-lactam and a fluoroquinolone for the management of CAP in high-risk patients.