Metronidazole for bacterial infection (Flagyl)

Metronidazole for bacterial infection

Flagyl

In this article

• About metronidazole
• Before taking metronidazole
• How to take metronidazole
• Getting the most from your treatment
• Metronidazole side-effects
• How to store metronidazole
• Important information about all medicines

About metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of infections caused by certain types of germ (anaerobic bacteria) and types of micro-organisms called protozoa. These types of organisms often cause infections in areas of the body such as the gums, pelvic cavity and tummy (stomach or intestines) because they do not need oxygen to grow and multiply.

Metronidazole is commonly prescribed to treat an infection called bacterial vaginosis. It is also prescribed before gynaecological surgery and surgery on the intestines, to prevent infection from developing. It can safely be taken by people who are allergic to penicillin.

Metronidazole is also used, alongside other medicines, to get rid of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection often associated with stomach ulcers.

Metronidazole is available as a skin preparation also. This leaflet does not give information about metronidazole when it is used for skin conditions, but there is more information available in a separate leaflet called Metronidazole skin gel and cream.

Before taking metronidazole

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking metronidazole it is important that your doctor or dentist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you feel you will be unable to stop drinking alcohol for the duration of your treatment.
• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.
• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take metronidazole

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer’s leaflet will give you more information about metronidazole and a full list of metronidazole side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• Take the tablets or liquid medicine exactly as your doctor or dentist tells you to. The dose you are given will depend upon what type of infection you have, and how severe the infection is.
• As a guide, a typical dose for an adult would be 400 mg two or three times a day, but your dose may be more or less than this. Doses for children depend upon the child’s age and weight. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child), and this will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.
• Space your doses evenly throughout the day, and keep taking the medicine until the course is finished, unless you are told to stop by your doctor. Your symptoms may return if you stop taking metronidazole before the end of the course prescribed for you.
• Most courses of metronidazole last for around seven days, but some may be as short as three days and some as long as 14 days. For certain infections you may be given a single, larger dose of metronidazole, usually five 400 mg tablets (2 g) to take at once.
• Take each of your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal. Swallow the tablets whole (that is, without chewing or crushing them) with a full glass of water.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and try to space your remaining doses evenly throughout the rest of the day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have been given metronidazole suppositories

1. Remove the suppository from its wrapping.
2. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into your back passage (rectum) as far as is comfortable. Many people find that inserting a suppository is easier if they squat or bend forward.
3. Remain still for a few moments to help you to hold the suppository in place.
4. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Important: do not drink alcohol while you are on metronidazole and for 48 hours after finishing your course of treatment. This is because drinking alcohol with metronidazole is likely to make you feel very sick (nauseated) and cause other unpleasant effects, such as the sensation of having a ‘thumping heart’ (palpitations), hot flushes and headache.
• While you are taking metronidazole your urine may look a darker colour than normal. On its own this is nothing to worry about. However, if you also experience tummy (abdominal) pain, or if you feel sick (nausea) or feel generally unwell, you should let your doctor know.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with metronidazole. Some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol and should not be taken with metronidazole.
• If you need to take metronidazole for longer than ten days, your doctor may want you to have some tests. Make sure you keep any appointments that your doctor gives to you.

Metronidazole side-effects

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the metronidazole side-effects. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metronidazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Flagyl® 200 mg and 400 mg Tablets; Sanofi, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2021.

• Medicines Complete BNF 85th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Doxycycline for malaria. Doxycycline medication info

Doxycycline tablets and capsules

Periostat, Vibramycin-D, Oracea, Targadox

In this article

• About doxycycline
• Before taking doxycycline
• How to take doxycycline
• Getting the most from your treatment
• Can doxycycline cause problems?
• How to store doxycycline
• Important information about all medicines

About doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibacterial medicine. This means that it stops infections caused by germs (bacteria). It is given as a treatment for a number of different types of infection, including chest infections, some skin conditions, sexually transmitted infections, and infections in or around the mouth.

Doxycycline is also used to prevent people from getting malaria when they travel to countries where malaria occurs. Although doxycycline can only be obtained on a prescription from a doctor, it is not prescribable on the NHS to prevent malaria. This means that you will be given a private (non-NHS) prescription and you will be asked to pay the full price for the tablets/capsules if you are taking it for this reason.

Because doxycycline can be given for so many different reasons, it is important that you know why your doctor is prescribing it for you. You will be prescribed a brand of doxycycline that is appropriate for your need, as not all brands are suitable for all of these indications.

Before taking doxycycline

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking doxycycline it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
• If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE).
• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take doxycycline

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about doxycycline, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.
• There are a number of different brands and strengths of doxycycline so it is important that you take doxycycline exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is likely you will be asked to take one dose a day, although some people will be asked to take two doses a day. If you have a problem with ulcers in your mouth, you could be asked to take four doses a day. How many doses you are asked to take will depend upon the reason for you taking it and the severity of the infection. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you, and this information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.
• If you have been given capsules to take, you must swallow these whole (do not open or chew them). Take them during a mealtime, with a glassful of water to make sure you have swallowed them properly. Make sure that you take them while you are sitting or standing up so that they do not get caught in your throat and cause irritation. This also means that you should not take them immediately before you go to bed.
• If you have been given dispersible tablets (Vibramycin-D®), you should stir these into a small glass of water to take them. If you are using the dispersible tablets because of recurrent mouth ulcers, rinse the solution around your mouth for 2-3 minutes, and then spit it out.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
• Depending on what you are being treated for, your course of treatment could last from a week, to several months. Keep taking doxycycline until the course is finished unless you are told to stop sooner by a doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take indigestion remedies, or supplements containing iron, magnesium, or zinc at the same time as you take doxycycline. This is because doxycycline combines with these things, which makes it less effective in fighting infection. If you need to take an antacid or any such supplement, make sure you do not take it within two hours (either before or after) of taking doxycycline.
• Doxycycline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor on bright days, even when it is cloudy.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Additional information for protection against malaria

• If you are taking doxycycline to protect against malaria, you must start taking it 1-2 days before you travel. This is to ensure there is sufficient medicine in your bloodstream to give you the required protection. You should continue to take it throughout your stay and for a further four weeks after you have left the area.
• If you feel ill or develop a high temperature (fever) or flu-like symptoms while you are travelling or within one year (especially if it is within three months) of returning home, you should see your doctor straightaway. This is important, even if you have taken your antimalarial tablets correctly.
• Doxycycline will help reduce the risk of you getting malaria, but it is also important that you take the following precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes:
• Cover up bare areas of your arms and legs with long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, long trousers and socks. This is especially important if you are outside after sunset, as this is when mosquitoes feed.
• Use an effective insect repellant spray on your clothing and any area of your skin which is bare. If you are also using a sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and the insect repellant afterwards.
• Spray the room with an insecticide each evening a couple of hours before you go to bed. Check your sleeping areas for mosquitoes – pay particular attention to furniture and areas under your bed where insects can hide.
• If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, use a mosquito net impregnated with an insecticide.

Can doxycycline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with doxycycline. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: doxycycline can occasionally cause allergic reactions, such as a skin rash. Speak with a doctor as soon as possible if this happens to you.

In rare cases, treatment with tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline can cause an increase in blood pressure inside the skull. This can cause symptoms such as headache, being sick (vomiting) and vision problems such as blurred or double vision or loss of vision. If this happens to you, seek medical attention and do not take any more doxycycline.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to advise you further.

How to store doxycycline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Vibramycin-D Dispersible Tablets 100 mg; Pfizer Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2019.

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Doxycycline 50 mg and 100 mg capsules; Accord-UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2020.

• Medicines Complete BNF 85th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

New generation antibiotics: pros and cons

Content

• 1 Next generation antibiotics: pros and cons of use
  • 1. 1 New generation antibiotics: effectiveness and risks
    • 1.1.2 Against:
  • 1.2 What are antibiotics?
  • 1.3 How do antibiotics work?
  • 1.4 The problem of antibiotic resistance
  • 1.5 New generation antibiotics
  • 1.6 Benefits of new generation antibiotics
  • 1.7 Disadvantages of new generation antibiotics
  • 1.8 Danger of self-medication with new generation antibiotics
  • 1.9 New generation antibiotics and their effect on the microflora of the body
  • 1.10 Recommendations for the correct use of new generation antibiotics
  • 1.11 Drug natural preparations based on new generation antibiotics
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 What are the arguments for using new generation antibiotics?
      • 1.12.0.2 What are the possible negative consequences of using new generation antibiotics?
      • 1.12.0.3 Can new generation antibiotics be dangerous to health?
      • 1.12.0. 4 Are there alternatives to new generation antibiotics?
      • 1.12.0.5 When is the use of new generation antibiotics necessary?
      • 1.12.0.6 Can new generation antibiotics be a universal remedy for all diseases?
  • 1.13 The choice of a new generation antibiotic for the treatment of diseases
  • 1.14 Related videos:

The article discusses the latest antibiotics and their advantages over classical drugs, as well as possible negative consequences and concerns about their effectiveness. Get information about the advantages and disadvantages of using new generation antibiotics before making a treatment decision.

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can fight many bacterial infections. However, with each passing year, the effectiveness of old antibiotics decreases as bacteria become more and more resistant to them. This forces scientists to constantly work on the creation of new antibiotics that would be more effective and could cope with new types of infections.

New generation antibiotics are drugs that have been created on the basis of new scientific discoveries and technologies. They may be more efficient and faster, but they may also have some drawbacks.

New generation antibiotics can be said to help treat diseases that were previously untreatable.
However, there is another side – the shortcomings of new antibiotics, which can lead to serious consequences.

Both of these opinions have their place and can be argued. The purpose of this article is to look at the pros and cons of new generation antibiotics so that you can make your choice.

New generation antibiotics: efficacy and risks

Pro:

Reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Some new generation antibiotics are capable of killing a wider range of bacteria than their predecessors. This may reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, which is an acute medical problem today.

Treatment of severe and complex infections. New generation antibiotics are often used to treat infections caused by several types of bacteria or bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. They may also help you recover faster and reduce your risk of complications.

Once a month or more

0%

Half a year

0%

Once a year

100%

Against:

9 0078 High costs. New generation antibiotics typically cost significantly more than their “standard” counterparts. This may limit the access of patients to the necessary treatment, as well as cast doubt on the economic feasibility of their widespread use.

Unsafe. Like any medication, new generation antibiotics have side effects. In addition, some of them may increase the risk of developing a superinfection caused by a different, more antibiotic-resistant bacterium. Therefore, before using a new generation antibiotic, it is necessary to carefully evaluate and compare its potential benefits and possible risks and contraindications.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines designed to fight bacterial infections. They inhibit the vital activity of bacteria and destroy them or stop their reproduction. This allows the body to fight the infection and recover.

Antibiotics are used in the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and others.

Some antibiotics may only be effective against certain types of bacteria, while others are more broadly effective and can fight many types of bacteria.

Antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor and in strict accordance with the instructions for use. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of drug resistance and worsening of the patient’s condition.

How do antibiotics work?

Antibiotics are a class of drugs that have been developed to fight bacterial infections. They exert their effect by influencing various processes in the bacterial cell.

One of the most common mechanisms of action of antibiotics is to block the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall or destroy it. This leads to the vulnerability of bacteria and their death. The classic example of an antibiotic that works in this way is penicillin.

Other antibiotics block the synthesis of bacterial proteins or RNA, which also leads to the death of microorganisms. There are a number of antibiotics for this, such as tetracyclines, macrolides, aminoglycosides, etc.

However, not all antibiotics have such a harsh effect on bacteria. So, some antibiotics can fight infection by destroying the membrane of microorganisms, while others stop the growth of bacteria. You can also use antibiotics to change the tone and death of cells, which is the basis of their therapeutic action.

All antibiotics have their own characteristics inside bacterial cells, so it is often necessary to individually select a preparation for a particular case. Despite this, they are one of the most effective means in the fight against bacterial infections.

The problem of antibiotic resistance

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly important around the world. Every year there is an increasing number of patients suffering from infections caused by bacteria that do not respond to basic antibiotics. This poses significant health challenges and worsens the prognosis for many patients.

One of the main causes of antibiotic resistance is the misuse and repeated use of antibiotics, both in medical practice and in animal and fish farming. This causes bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics and become increasingly difficult to treat.

The challenge for science and medicine is to develop new antibiotics that can fight treatment-resistant bacteria. However, this process requires large time and financial costs, as well as high scientific knowledge and technological base.

• Standard antibiotics can no longer fight infections caused by treatment-resistant bacteria.
• The misuse and repeated use of antibiotics is one of the causes of the spread of treatment-resistant bacteria.
• The development of new antibiotics is an important task for science and medicine, which requires a lot of time and resources.

New generation antibiotic varieties

New generation antibiotic development technologies are becoming more diverse every year. Among them, the following varieties can be distinguished:

• Glycopeptides are antibiotics with a powerful bactericidal effect, which manifests itself against bacteria resistant to other classes of antibiotics. They are successfully used to treat acute and chronic infections.
• carbapenems are the most effective antibiotics and are effective against most bacteria, including multi-resistant strains. They are widely used to treat severe infections of the abdominal cavity and purulent-inflammatory diseases.
• Phosphonates are novel antibiotics that are bactericidal against many types of bacteria, including multi-resistant strains. They are effective in treating infections of the skin, respiratory and urinary systems.

It is also worth noting that the varieties of new generation antibiotics can be presented in various forms of release: tablets, capsules, powders for injections, creams and ointments for external use. Each form of release has its advantages and disadvantages and is selected depending on the type of infection and its severity.

Examples of new generation antibiotics Name Form of release Broad spectrum of activity

Benefits of new generation antibiotics

Fast acting – new antibiotics develop their properties much faster than their predecessors. Thanks to this, the treatment of infections has become more effective and faster.

Greater efficacy against microorganisms – new antibiotics are immediately active against most known types of bacteria. This reduces the likelihood of developing resistance and improves treatment outcomes.

Low risk of side effects – the use of new antibiotics does not cause severe side effects, unlike classic ones. Thus, patients can begin recovery without unnecessary pain and complications.

• Let’s list the advantages:
• fast action;
• broad spectrum;
• low risk of side effects.

Ease of use – New generation antibiotics come in a variety of forms – tablets, capsules, injections, nose and eye drops, aerosols. The patient can choose the most suitable form for himself. Also, some of them can be used as a preventive measure.

Disadvantages of new generation antibiotics

One of the main disadvantages of new generation antibiotics is their high cost. This makes drugs out of reach for most citizens, especially in developing countries. In addition, there is often a problem with fakes that may contain less active ingredient or even dangerous additives, which can lead to serious consequences for the health of patients.

Another disadvantage is that the use of new generation antibiotics can lead to the development of resistance in bacteria, making future infections difficult to treat. In addition, some antibiotics can have a negative effect on the intestinal microflora, which can lead to dysbiosis and other health problems.

• High cost ;
• Counterfeit problems ;
• Development of resistance in bacteria ;
• Negative effect on intestinal microflora .

The danger of self-medication with new generation antibiotics

New generation antibiotics are powerful drugs that can effectively fight various infections. However, their use requires special care and supervision by a physician. Unauthorized self-medication with new generation antibiotics can lead to serious consequences.

Doctors warn against self-medication, as this can lead to the development of resistance to the most effective antibiotics. This means that when the infection recurs, treatment becomes much more difficult and takes longer. In addition, the uncontrolled use of new generation antibiotics can adversely affect the microflora of the body, disrupt its balance and cause dysbacteriosis.

The danger of self-treatment with new generation antibiotics is also that the wrong medicine can lead to the development of side effects. This can be a manifestation of allergies, dyspeptic disorders, headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. In addition, some infections can easily masquerade as other diseases, making it necessary to accurately determine the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Bringing all this to light, we can say that self-treatment with new generation antibiotics is not safe. It is best to contact a qualified specialist and get advice on the need and dosage of antibiotics. Only in this case, you can be sure of the effectiveness of the treatment and avoid the undesirable consequences of self-treatment.

New generation antibiotics and their effect on the microflora of the body

New generation antibiotics are drugs developed using new technologies and methods that allow you to fight a wider range of infections. However, they can also have a negative effect on the microflora of the body.

Microflora is a collection of microorganisms that are found in the human body and perform important functions for its health. The use of new generation antibiotics can upset the balance of microflora, which can lead to various health problems.

As a result, many physicians recommend using new generation antibiotics only when the disease cannot be cured by older antibiotics or when the patient’s life is at risk. This minimizes the risk of negative consequences for the microflora of the body.

• Some types of new generation antibiotics can cause dysbacteriosis, which manifests itself in digestive disorders and fungal infections;
• The use of new generation antibiotics can also cause a decrease in immunity, which can lead to various disease states;
• It must be remembered that any antibiotic can have a negative effect on the microflora of the body, so their use should be limited whenever possible.

In summary, next-generation antibiotics are a powerful weapon in the fight against infections, but their use should be considered and taken only when necessary to minimize possible consequences for the body’s microflora.

Recommendations for the correct use of new generation antibiotics

1. Follow the doctor’s instructions and do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription. Do not allow self-medication and do not interrupt the course of treatment ahead of schedule without the consent of the doctor.

2. New generation drugs are not a universal remedy for all diseases. Keep in mind that antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses, so don’t use them to treat colds, flu, or other viral infections.

3. If you experience allergic reactions or other side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Try not to use the same antibiotics for a long time, as this can lead to bacterial resistance and worsen the results of their therapy in the future.

5. Do not use prophylactic antibiotics.

1. Important to remember! To replenish the intestinal microbiota, you need to take probiotics, to increase immunity – immunostimulants. Remember that despite all their achievements, antibiotics can kill not only harmful but also beneficial bacteria in the body.

New generation antibiotic drugs

New generation antibiotics are drugs based on the latest scientific advances in microbiology and pharmacology. They are used to fight bacterial infections and are highly effective in the treatment of a number of diseases.

New generation antibiotics are resistant to a wide range of bacteria and at the same time do not quickly develop resistance to microorganisms. This can significantly reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance and ensure a rapid recovery of the patient.

However, the use of new generation antibiotics has its drawbacks. They are more expensive compared to drugs created by earlier methods. In addition, their appointment often requires accurate diagnosis and identification of bacterial species in order to avoid the appointment of ineffective treatment and the development of resistance.

• In summary, the use of new generation antibiotics is an effective way to fight bacterial infections.
• However, their use must be justified and requires more accurate diagnosis and identification of bacterial species.
• At the same time, it is necessary to remember the need to reduce costs and ensure access to medical care for all patients.

Q&A:

What are the arguments for using new generation antibiotics?

New generation antibiotics have a broader spectrum of action and can fight more complex and drug-resistant infections. They can also be used at lower doses and for a shorter course, reducing the risk of side effects and antibiotic resistance.

What are the possible negative consequences of using new generation antibiotics?

New generation antibiotics may be more expensive and out of reach for many people. Also, the use of new antibiotics may lead to the development of new side effects and an increased likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

Can new generation antibiotics be dangerous to health?

Like all medicines, new generation antibiotics can have side effects. However, with proper use and following the instructions of the doctor, the likelihood of negative effects is minimal.

Are there alternatives to new generation antibiotics?

Yes, there are alternatives in the form of older antibiotics, antiseptics, antivirals, antifungals, immunostimulants, and other treatments. However, in each case, the doctor must decide on the choice of the most effective and safe method of treatment.

When is the use of new generation antibiotics necessary?

New generation antibiotics may be needed when the disease is caused by a bacterial infection that is resistant to previous types of antibiotics. Also, the doctor may decide to use new antibiotics in cases where a quick and effective result of treatment is extremely important for the life and health of the patient.

Can new generation antibiotics be a universal remedy for all diseases?

No, new generation antibiotics cannot be a universal remedy for all diseases. They are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viruses, fungi and other pathogens.

Choosing a new generation of antibiotics for the treatment of diseases

The wide range of new generation antibiotics on the market can make it difficult to choose the most appropriate drug. However, the right choice can significantly speed up the body’s recovery process and reduce the risk of side effects.

Before choosing an antibiotic, it is necessary to clarify the type of disease, the presence of contraindications and allergic reactions, as well as take into account the age and weight of the patient.

Some antibiotics have a narrower spectrum of activity and may be effective in treating specific conditions, such as urinary or respiratory tract infections. Other drugs have a broader spectrum of action and may be effective in the treatment of complicated infections.

It is also important to follow the rules for taking antibiotics, not to interrupt treatment prematurely and not to exceed the dosage in order to avoid the development of bacterial resistance to the drug.

• In the treatment of urinary tract infection : Narrow spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cefpodoxime are recommended.
• In the treatment of complicated respiratory tract infections : broader spectrum antibiotics such as levofloxacin or ceftriaxone can be used.
• When treating a skin infection : topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or fusidine ointments or creams are recommended.

Also be aware of possible side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, and interactions of antibiotics with other medications.

Drug Spectrum of action Contraindications

So, the right choice of a new generation antibiotic should be based on taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the disease and the spectrum of the drug, as well as the presence of contraindications and possible side effects.

Related videos:

Antibiotics. Sources of antibiotics and history of occurrence. How do antibiotics work? Are they harmful?

Antibiotics are drugs aimed at the destruction of living pathogenic bacteria, they entered our life more than half a century ago and firmly settled in it.

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Thanks to antibiotics, diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, gangrene and many other bacterial infections have ceased to be fatal to humans. But even the most potent antibacterial drugs are not able to cope with all pathogenic bacteria. This is due to the fact that pathogenic bacteria are constantly evolving, developing natural genetic mechanisms to resist drugs. The number of new generations of microbes that are “resistant” to even the strongest antibiotics is growing inexorably every year. Scientists around the world are constantly in search of new effective methods in the fight against invulnerable bacteria.

The history of antibiotics

Even in ancient times in China, India, Egypt and Greece, moldy bread and some types of plants were used to disinfect wounds and abscesses, mentions of the medicinal properties of mold were still in the works of ancient philosophers. In 1873, the scientific work of A.G. Polotebnov “The pathological significance of green mold” about the therapeutic effect of mold on purulent wounds, which he recommended to use in the treatment of skin diseases. But this work has not received due attention in medical circles. Bartomeleo Gozio physician and microbiologist in 189In the 6th year, he isolated mycophenolic acid from mold fungi – the world’s first antibiotic that was active against the bacterium – the causative agent of anthrax. In 1987, French military doctor Ernest Duchene tested molds of the genus Penicillium on guinea pigs and found that the mold had a destructive effect on the typhoid bacillus. Alas, his work also failed to attract attention among the scientific community.

Russian scientist M.G. Tartakovsky in 1904 stated that the substances produced by green mold suppress the development of the causative agent of chicken cholera. American scientists Otis Fisher Black and Carl Alsberg at 19In 13, they obtained a toxic substance from the mold of the genus Penicillium puberulum, which, as it turned out later, was penicillic acid, and had antimicrobial properties. In 1928, the British bacteriologist Alexander Fleming carried out another work aimed at studying the protective reactions of the human body to infectious diseases provoked by staphylococcus bacteria. In the process of conducting an experiment in one of the laboratory bowls, Fleming discovered the formation of colonies of molds that got there in a completely random way. He noticed that there were no staph bacteria around the mold colonies. During this experiment, the scientist concluded that the mold releases a substance that destroys pathogenic bacteria and called it “penicillin”, since it was isolated from fungi of the genus Penicillium notatum, which he reported at a meeting of the Medical Research Club at the University of London on September 13, 1929 years old But even then, Fleming’s work did not arouse much enthusiasm among physicians, since penicillin turned out to be an unstable substance that quickly collapsed even with short-term storage. German scientists Ernst Boris Chain and Australian Howard Flory, who worked in England in the 30s of the twentieth century, came to grips with improving the effectiveness of penicillin. Soon they managed to get a sufficient amount of penicillin in its pure form and test it on laboratory mice. This test showed a very high antibacterial efficacy of the drug. Due to the huge mortality of soldiers from purulent wounds during the Second World War, the need for effective medicines was catastrophically large. At 19In 43, the mass production of penicillin began, thanks to this medicine, hundreds of thousands of human lives were saved all over the world. And only in 1945, Howard Flory, Alexander Fleming and Ernst Boris Chain received the Nobel Prize in Medicine “for the discovery of penicillin and its healing effects in various infectious diseases.” Penicillin was followed by discoveries of other antibacterial agents. In the USSR, the first antibacterial drug was Krustozin, the discovery of which belongs to the microbiologist Zinaida Yermolyeva in 1942 year. Until 2017, scientists around the world made various modifications of the drug, due to the emergence of bacterial resistance to existing drugs. In 2018, scientists at the University of Illinois developed a new class of semi-synthetic antibiotics. This drug was created on the basis of the compound dioxynibomycin and showed its high efficiency against a wide range of gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotic in Greek means “against life”. In 1942, this term was proposed by the American microbiologist Zelman Waksman, whose name is associated with the discovery of another antibacterial agent – streptomycin, which is still used today to treat tuberculosis.

Sources of antibiotics

The main sources of antibiotics are actinomycetes (producing about 80% of natural antibiotics), molds and typical bacteria, but they are far from the only ones. To date, about 30,000 antibiotics of natural origin are known to science, but this does not mean at all that all antibiotics that exist today are produced by living cells. Since the 1960s, chemists have learned to significantly improve the antimicrobial properties of antibiotics produced by natural microorganisms by modifying them by chemical methods. The preparations thus obtained are classified as semi-synthetic antibiotics. Of the variety of antibiotics for medical purposes, only about a hundred are used.

Methods for producing antibiotics

• Biological synthesis (cultivation of producers and isolation of antibiotics by them during their life activity)
• Biosynthesis with chemical modifications (semi-synthetic antibiotics)
• Chemical synthesis (synthetic analogues of natural antibiotics)

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Classification of antibiotics

Depending on the nature of the effect of an antibacterial drug on a pathological cell, antibiotics are divided into two groups: bacteriostatic (pathogenic bacteria remain alive, but lose their ability to reproduce) and bactericidal (bacteria die and are excreted from the body). Classification of antibiotics by chemical structure:

• Beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams)
• Glycopeptides (vancomycin, teicoplanin)
• Aminoglycosides (streptomycin, monomycin, kanamycin, neomycin – 1st generation; tamycin, etc. – II generation)
• Tetracyclines
• Macrolides (and azalides)
• Lincosamides
• Levomycetin (chloramphenicol)
• Rifamycins
• Polypeptides
• Polyenes
• Miscellaneous antibiotics (fusidic acid, fusafungine, etc.)

Classification by direction of action:

• Antibacterial antibiotics (the largest group of drugs):
• active against gram-positive microorganisms;
• broad spectrum – act simultaneously on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria;
• antituberculous, antileprosy, antisyphilitic preparations;
• antifungals
• antitumor antibiotics
• Antiprotozoal and antiviral antibiotics

How do antibiotics work?

The main task of an antibiotic, when it enters the body, is to attach to a bacterium in order to destroy it or deprive it of the opportunity to multiply, as a result of which it will die on its own. To do this, each antibiotic has its own target, as a rule, it is a protein, enzyme or part of the DNA of a pathogenic microorganism, and the mechanism of action on the bacterium. That is why certain antibacterial drugs are prescribed depending on the causative agent of the disease. In medical practice, drugs are used that hit targets accurately without affecting the cells of our body.

Treatment with antibiotics

You cannot prescribe antibiotics on your own, only a doctor can prescribe such a prescription. Antibacterial drugs are used to prevent and treat inflammatory processes caused by pathogenic bacteria. Treatment of viral diseases, for example, SARS, will not be effective.

Antibiotic therapy should not be accompanied by other drugs that can affect their action, and it is also important to observe an equal time interval between antimicrobial doses and in no case combine treatment with alcohol. Do not stop taking antibiotics if you feel relief, the course of treatment prescribed by a qualified specialist must be completed in full.