A 30-year-old male with no significant past medical history presents with a 3-day history of fever, productive cough, and malaise. Chest X-ray reveals a left lower lobe infiltrate. His vital signs are stable, and he has a CURB-65 score of 0. He has no recent antibiotic use. What is the most appropriate empiric oral antibiotic therapy?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
For outpatient community-acquired pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals with no recent antibiotic use, a macrolide (e.g., azithromycin) or doxycycline is recommended. Fluoroquinolones are generally reserved for sicker patients or those with comorbidities.