Antibiotics Overview

An antibiotic is a type of compound used in medications to treat infections caused by bacteria when the bacteria is thought to be susceptible to the antibiotic utilized. With Patricia (Nurse Pattye) Anderson, FNP bc, people who might need an antibiotic medication can connect with a local medical provider who can prescribe an antibiotic if it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so.

How Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics can work in different ways. Some antibiotics kill bacteria outright. Other types of antibiotics stop bacteria from replicating or growing. Antibiotics work best when the sensitivity of the underlying bacteria is known. Unfortunately, this is difficult to determine at times. Also, some bacteria are resistant to different types of antibiotics, rendering them useless for treatment. Antibiotics should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against infections caused by viruses and do not work against fungi like Diflucan, ketoconazole and nystatin do. Anti-protozoal medications like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are not considered antibiotics.

Antibiotic Medications

Antibiotics can be taken orally, intravenously and topically. Prescription antibiotic medications are frequently used to treat different kinds of infections. Examples of prescription antibiotic medications:

Amoxicillin

Ampicillin

Augmentin

Azithromycin (Z-Pak)

Bactrim

Cefdinir

Cefixime

Cefuroxime

Cephalexin (Keflex)

Ciprofloxacin

Clarithromycin

Clindamycin

Doxycycline

Erythromycin

Levofloxacin

Metronidazole (Metrogel)

Minocycline

Moxifloxacin

Mupirocin (Bactroban)

Nitrofurantoin

Penicillin

Polymyxin B

Rifaximin

Tobramycin

Xenleta

Antibiotic medications can all cause side effects.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache. All antibiotic medications can cause a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction when used and should be avoided if there is a concern or a history of an allergic reaction. Anyone planning to take an antibiotic should direct any questions and concerns to one’s medical provider and pharmacist prior to use.

Antibiotics – Uses

Antibiotics are used in treating many types of conditions in medicine. Antibiotics can be used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), acne, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, cellulitis and other conditions.