Which antibiotic is most effective for treating acute pyelonephritis?

Ceftriaxone is effective for treating acute pyelonephritis due to its broad-spectrum activity against the common pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and its good renal penetration. Acute pyelonephritis often involves bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both of which are susceptible to ceftriaxone. Furthermore, ceftriaxone can be administered intravenously, which is advantageous in cases where patients may require hospitalization or when oral antibiotics are not feasible.

In addition, ceftriaxone has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for less frequent dosing and achieving high drug levels in the urine, thus enhancing its efficacy against the infection. This makes it a preferred choice, especially in moderate to severe cases of acute pyelonephritis.

Other options have varying degrees of effectiveness or specific situations where they may be preferred, but they do not surpass ceftriaxone in the standard treatment for acute pyelonephritis.