Most Common Types of Antibiotics and Their Uses
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or slowing their growth. Common types include penicillin and macrolides, each using different methods to fight infections effectively. Let's discover more about common antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial infections.
Quick Intro: What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that treat bacterial infections by preventing bacteria from reproducing or destroying themselves. While the immune system can fight bacteria, antibiotics are needed when harmful bacteria overwhelm it.
Penicillin was the first antibiotic, with derivatives like Amoxicillin and Ampicillin treating various infections. Antibiotics are prescribed for conditions like bronchitis, strep throat, and ear infections but are ineffective against viral infections like colds and flu. Some antibiotics require prescriptions, while topical forms are available OTC.
Know: What is the Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Infection?
The most common types of antibiotics:
Here are some common types of antibiotics prescribed by the doctors:
Penicillin
Penicillin treats bacterial skin, kidney, middle ear, and blood infections, as well as Staphylococci and Streptococci infections. Overuse can lead to bacterial resistance.
Common penicillin antibiotics include:
- Dicloxacillin
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin
- Ampicillin
- Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid
- Oxacillin
- Nafcillin
- Penicillin V
- Penicillin G
Side effects of penicillin antibiotics include:
- Liver disorder
- Nausea
- Yeast infection
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Some medicines, such as oral contraceptives and anti-inflammatories like aspirin and probenecid, might interact with penicillin.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are an alternative for those allergic to penicillin, preventing bacteria from forming strong cell walls. They treat skin infections, meningitis, cellulitis, abscesses, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some are highly effective for severe diseases like septicemia.
Some common Cephalosporins include:
- Cefixime
- Cefaclor
- Cefadroxil
- Cephalexin
- Cefazolin
- Cefuroxime
- Cefoxitin
Potential side effects of Cephalosporins include:
- Belly pain
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting
Explore: What should you eat during and after taking antibiotics?
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties that treat bacterial infections such as chest, pelvic, and urethral infections, traveller's diarrhoea, and syphilis. They are also prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and perioral dermatitis.
Common tetracycline antibiotics include:
- Minocycline
- Doxycycline
- Sarecycline
Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 12 should avoid tetracyclines, as they may cause teeth staining.
Other potential side effects of tetracycline include:
- Nausea
- Photosensitivity
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
It is advised not to take tetracycline antibiotics with diuretics as they can increase your risk of experiencing kidney toxicity.
Macrolides
Macrolides are a safe alternative for those allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins. They block bacterial protein production and treat infections like pneumonia, skin infections, chlamydia, COPD, ear infections, tonsillitis, and H. pylori. Macrolides are the first choice for atypical pneumonia.
Some common macrolides include:
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
Potential side effects of macrolide antibiotics include:
- Hearing loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones treat severe bacterial infections but are linked to antimicrobial resistance and should be used only when necessary. They are first-line treatments for prostatitis, severe shigellosis, and salmonellosis. They also treat gonorrhoea, epididymal orchitis, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections of the eye, urinary tract, and ear.
Common fluoroquinolone antibiotics include:
- Ofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Moxifloxacin
- Levofloxacin
Potential side effects of Fluoroquinolones include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in taste
- Abdominal pain
- Photosensitivity
Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides are synthetic antibiotics that block bacterial DNA production by inhibiting folic acid use. They treat tonsillitis, meningococcal, UTIs, E. coli, infected burns, bacillary dysentery, eye and skin infections, and septicemia.
Types of Sulfonamides available include:
- Sulfadiazine silver
- Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulfacetamide
Sulfonamide antibiotics should not be taken during pregnancy as they increase the risk of pregnancy loss. You may buy these Antibiotic Medicines from our online pharmacy.
Potential side effects of Sulfonamides include:
- Anorexia
- Candidiasis
- Jaundice in newborns
- Headache
- Hyperkalaemia
- Folate deficiency
Find out: Can I drink Alcohol while Taking Antibiotics? Is it safe?
Summary
Take antibiotics only when necessary to avoid antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria survive or resist treatment. Always consult a doctor before starting antibiotic therapy.
Discover: Is it Safe to Take Antibiotics While Pregnant?
