What are the most effective antibiotics for treating pneumonia. How is pneumonia diagnosed and when should antibiotics be prescribed. When does pneumonia require hospitalization. What are the key considerations for treating pneumonia in different patient groups.

Understanding Pneumonia: Causes and Symptoms

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that affects the lungs, causing inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli). These air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult and potentially leading to severe complications. In 2019 alone, pneumonia claimed the lives of over 40,000 Americans, highlighting its significant impact on public health.

How does pneumonia develop? The infection typically occurs when pathogens from the upper respiratory tract – such as the nose, sinuses, or mouth – spread to the lungs. Alternatively, direct inhalation of these microorganisms can also trigger pneumonia. While both viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia, bacterial infections are generally more common and often more severe.

Common Causes of Pneumonia

• Bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae)
• Viral infections (e.g., influenza, respiratory syncytial virus)
• Fungal infections (rare, usually in immunocompromised individuals)

Is pneumonia always severe? While pneumonia can range from mild to severe, certain groups are at higher risk for complications. These include young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms early and seek appropriate medical care.

Diagnosing Pneumonia: When to Seek Medical Attention

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective pneumonia treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of pneumonia and determine its cause.

Key Diagnostic Tools for Pneumonia

1. Physical examination (including listening to lung sounds)
2. Chest X-ray
3. Blood tests (to check for signs of infection)
4. Sputum culture (to identify the specific pathogen)
5. Pulse oximetry (to measure blood oxygen levels)

When should you consult a doctor about potential pneumonia? If you experience persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. These symptoms, especially when accompanied by fatigue and weakness, could indicate pneumonia or other serious respiratory conditions.

Antibiotic Treatment for Bacterial Pneumonia

Antibiotics play a crucial role in treating bacterial pneumonia. However, it’s important to note that antibiotics are ineffective against viral pneumonia. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of your pneumonia.

First-Line Antibiotic Treatments

For community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in healthy adults under 65, azithromycin is often the first-line treatment. It’s frequently combined with other antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin for enhanced efficacy. Patients with penicillin allergies may receive a cephalosporin antibiotic along with azithromycin or doxycycline.

How long does it take to recover from bacterial pneumonia with antibiotic treatment? Even with appropriate antibiotic therapy, full recovery from bacterial pneumonia can take 4-6 weeks. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better sooner.

Other Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics

• Clarithromycin: Often used in combination with other antibiotics, particularly for older adults or immunocompromised patients
• Tetracycline: Effective against pneumonia and other bacterial infections
• Recarbrio: A newer combination antibiotic used for hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Lefamulin: Recently FDA-approved for community-acquired pneumonia

How do doctors choose the right antibiotic for pneumonia? The selection depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, illness severity, underlying medical conditions, and any known medication allergies. In some cases, a combination of antibiotics may be prescribed for more comprehensive coverage.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Pneumonia Treatment

Children with pneumonia require special attention when it comes to antibiotic treatment. The choice of antibiotics may differ from those used in adults due to factors such as age-related differences in metabolism and potential side effects.

Common Antibiotics for Pediatric Pneumonia

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Cephalosporins
• Macrolide antibiotics

Why are different antibiotics used for children with pneumonia? Children’s bodies process medications differently than adults, and certain antibiotics may pose risks to developing organs. Pediatricians carefully select antibiotics that are both effective and safe for young patients, taking into account factors such as age, weight, and the severity of the infection.

Treating Atypical Pneumonia: The Case of Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, often referred to as “walking pneumonia,” requires a different approach to treatment. This type of pneumonia is caused by a unique bacterium that lacks a cell wall, making it resistant to certain antibiotics.

Why are penicillin-derived antibiotics ineffective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae? These antibiotics work by attacking the cell wall of bacteria. Since Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall, penicillin-based drugs have no target and are therefore ineffective.

Effective Antibiotics for Mycoplasma Pneumonia

• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
• Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)

These antibiotics are typically more effective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae and are the preferred treatment options for this type of atypical pneumonia.

The Role of Supportive Care in Pneumonia Treatment

While antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial pneumonia, supportive care plays an equally important role in recovery. This is especially true for viral pneumonia, where antibiotics are not effective.

Key Elements of Supportive Care

1. Adequate rest and hydration
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
3. Cough suppressants (used judiciously)
4. Breathing exercises and chest physiotherapy
5. Oxygen therapy (in severe cases)

How does supportive care aid in pneumonia recovery? These measures help alleviate symptoms, support the body’s natural healing processes, and prevent complications. In some cases, particularly with viral pneumonia, supportive care may be the primary form of treatment.

When Pneumonia Requires Hospitalization

While many cases of pneumonia can be treated on an outpatient basis, some situations require hospitalization for more intensive care and monitoring.

Indications for Hospitalization

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Low blood oxygen levels
• High fever unresponsive to medication
• Inability to eat or drink
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Underlying health conditions that increase risk

What additional treatments are available in a hospital setting? Hospitalized patients may receive intravenous antibiotics, continuous oxygen therapy, and close monitoring of vital signs. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support breathing.

Preventing Pneumonia: Vaccines and Lifestyle Measures

Prevention is a crucial aspect of managing pneumonia’s impact on public health. Vaccines play a significant role in reducing the risk of certain types of pneumonia, particularly those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza viruses.

Recommended Vaccines

• Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23)
• Annual flu vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine

Who should receive pneumonia vaccines? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pneumococcal vaccines for adults 65 and older, as well as for younger individuals with certain health conditions or risk factors. Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

Lifestyle Measures for Pneumonia Prevention

1. Practice good hand hygiene
2. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
3. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
4. Manage chronic health conditions effectively
5. Get adequate sleep and rest

How do these lifestyle measures help prevent pneumonia? These practices boost overall health and immune function, reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections. Additionally, they help maintain lung health, making it easier for the body to fight off potential pneumonia-causing pathogens.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Pneumonia Treatment

The field of pneumonia treatment is continually evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving diagnostic methods, developing new antibiotics, and enhancing supportive care strategies.

Current Areas of Research

• Novel antibiotic development to combat drug-resistant strains
• Rapid diagnostic tests for faster pathogen identification
• Immunomodulatory therapies to enhance the body’s response to infection
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic factors
• Improved vaccination strategies for broader protection

What potential breakthroughs are on the horizon for pneumonia treatment? Researchers are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in predicting pneumonia outcomes and tailoring treatments. Additionally, studies are investigating the potential of combination therapies that pair antibiotics with immune-boosting agents for more effective treatment.

As our understanding of pneumonia continues to grow, so too does our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat this serious respiratory infection. By staying informed about the latest developments and following recommended prevention strategies, we can work towards reducing the impact of pneumonia on global health.

Antibiotics for Pneumonia: What is the Best Treatment?

When a person contracts pneumonia, the air sacs in one or both lungs, called alveoli, fill with pus or fluid.

This fluid can make it difficult to breathe. While pneumonia can be mild, it can also cause severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and those with other medical problems.

In 2019, more than 40,000 Americans died of pneumonia.

Pneumonia happnes when a virus or bacteria that’s living in your body—in your nose, sinuses, or mouth, for example—spreads into your lungs.

You may also directly breathe the virus or bacteria into your lungs, triggering pneumonia. 

Pneumonia is typically caused by viruses or bacteria.

Antibiotics won’t help with viral pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia is more common, and usually more severe, and can sometimes occur secondary to a viral infection.

If your doctor suspects that you have bacterial pneumonia, they will treat you with antibiotics.

In this article, I’ll explain how pneumonia is diagnosed, and when and how it’s treated with antibiotics.

I’ll also talk about when pneumonia requires hospitalization.

I’ll also tell you when you should talk to your doctor to see if a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or other upper respiratory symptoms could be pneumonia.

Antibiotics online

Our physicians can prescribe antibiotics for various conditions, but only if necessary. Chat with a provider now.

Get Started

Types of Antibiotics for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lower part of the respiratory system, primarily the lungs or the bronchi.

The bronchi are the air passages that connect the lungs to the windpipe.

Because pneumonia causes the air sacs in your lungs fill with pus and fluid, pneumonia can make it harder to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

Pneumonia is typically caused by a virus or bacterial infection.

Sometimes fungal infections can lead to pneumonia, but that is rarer, and typically occurs in people with weak immune systems due to other diseases.  

Viral pneumonia will often resolve on its own, though it still frequently requires medical care for supportive treatment.

Sometimes pneumonia occurs during or after another viral illness, like the flu or a cold.

If your pneumonia is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help unless there is also a secondary bacterial infection. 

If you have bacterial pneumonia, you will need antibiotics to prevent complications and to help your body clear the infection.

Even with antibiotics, it can still take 4-6 weeks to recover from bacterial pneumonia.

Most bacterial pneumonia that is community-acquired (meaning you do not get it while you are in the hospital) comes from the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

There are several different  antibiotics are effective at treating this bacterial infection.

Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a first-line treatment for healthy adults under age 65 with bacterial pneumonia.

It is often paired with another antibiotic like doxycycline or amoxicillin.

Azithromycin is currently being studied for its effectiveness in treating secondary bacterial pneumonia that is sometimes associated with COVID-19.

Patients who are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin may be given a cephalosporin antibiotic along with azithromycin or doxycycline.

Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is another macrolide antibiotic that is commonly used for pneumonia.

It is often used with other antibiotics, particularly in older adults or in those with compromised immune systems.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is in the same class of antibiotics as doxycycline and minocycline.

It is used to treat pneumonia, STIs, UTIs, and other bacterial infections.

Other antibiotics

Research is ongoing to identify the most effective ways to treat bacterial pneumonia.

Recarbrio is a newer combination antibiotic that pairs imipenem-cilastatin with relebactam.

It is used for treating hospital-acquired pneumonia, secondary pneumonia infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Lefamulin is another recent antibiotic that is FDA-approved for treating community-acquired pneumonia. 

Your doctor will choose the right antibiotic combination for you based on your age, the severity of illness, your other medical problems,, and medication allergies.

Children with pneumonia are commonly treated with amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporin, and other macrolide-class antibiotics.

For infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, otherwise referred to as walking pneumonia, penicillin-derived antibiotics are ineffective.

That’s because penicillin-derived antibiotics attack the cell wall of bacteria, and mycoplasma bacteria don’t have cell walls, so they are ineffective.

Instead, macrolides and tetracyclines are most often used to treat this common and milder form of pneumonia.

Walking pneumonia such as that caused by mycoplasma commonly follows a viral infection, like a cold, and may happen more frequently in children and young adults.

Diagnosis for Pneumonia

If you get a cold or the flu and you don’t seem to be improving within 7-10 days, especially if you feel difficulty breathing, a persistent cough or fever, talk to your doctor.

They will evaluate your symptoms, perform an exam, and may have a chest X-ray done to confirm that you have pneumonia.

Symptoms

Pneumonia does not always produce the same symptoms.

Symptoms can range in severity, and children may  have different symptoms than adults.

Newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may have milder symptoms, but this does not mean that they are less ill.

Common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Cough, with or without phlegm or mucus
• Chest pain when you breathe in and out, or when you cough
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

It is possible to have pneumonia without fever or the other common symptoms listed above, so if you feel sick and have an upper respiratory infection that’s not getting any better, see your doctor.  

Chest X-ray

The primary way to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia is with a chest X-ray, which will show a consolidation of fluid in your lungs.

Other tests, including labs and sputum cultures, may be used to differentiate between viral or bacterial pneumonia, and to determine the severity of the infection.

Treatment for Pneumonia

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the symptoms, severity of illness, and other co-existing health factors.

If you aren prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia, they will likely be prescribed for 5-10 days, depending on which antibiotic is used and the severity of your infection. 

It is always important to complete the entire course of antibiotics and to take them as prescribed, even if you start to feel better quickly.

If you have concerns about the length of your prescription, speak to your doctor.

Hospitalization

Each year, 1.5 million people visit emergency departments because of pneumonia.

Patients may be hospitalized for pneumonia if they are at risk for complications, or if they are having trouble breathing.

Even if they seem to be breathing easily, patients may also require admission to the hospital if their oxygen saturation levels are too low.

The average hospital stay for pneumonia is 3-5 days.

You may be sent home from the hospital before you are feeling completely better.

Sometimes breathing treatments or oxygen are required for at-home care following hospitalization.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have bacterial pneumonia, you must be treated with an antibiotic.

Certain lifestyle  changes and home remedies may be helpful to alleviate symptoms or speed up your recovery.

Here are some things to try:

• Gargle salt water or drink warm tea to help soothe a sore throat
• Drink a cup of caffeinated coffee, which might ease feelings of breathlessness
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help ease fever, discomfort, and aches
• Drink plenty of fluids – it’s very important to stay well hydrated to help your body fight off the infection.

Antibiotics online

Our physicians can prescribe antibiotics for various conditions, but only if necessary. Chat with a provider now.

Get Started

When to See a Doctor

If you have been sick with what seems like a cold or the flu without improvement for 5-7 days, check in with your doctor.

This could be a sign that you have pneumonia or have developed a secondary infection.

Call your doctor sooner if you have a high fever, have trouble breathing, or otherwise feel like you are getting worse.

If you have a compromised immune system, are over age 65, or have other medical problems, call your doctor sooner.

Children who have symptoms of pneumonia should be seen by their pediatrician right away, since they may not display common signs of pneumonia, even if they are very ill.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes.  

K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of antibiotic is good for pneumonia?

Several types of antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia. The type that is most effective depends on the patient’s age, health, drug allergies, and the cause of the illness. Walking pneumonia, or atypical pneumonia, does not respond to penicillin. It may be effective for bacterial community-acquired pneumonia. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that takes into account all of your health needs.

What is the first-line treatment for pneumonia?

The first-line treatment for pneumonia in adults is macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin or erythromycin. In children, the first-line treatment for bacterial pneumonia is typically amoxicillin.

What is the best antibiotic to treat COVID pneumonia?

Pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is viral, but secondary bacterial infections may occur, requiring antibiotic treatment. Doxycycline has been used for COVID-19 patients since it also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can concentrate in lung tissue. Azithromycin is also being tested for effectiveness in COVID-19 patients.

What is the most common treatment for pneumonia?

The most common treatment for bacterial pneumonia is macrolide antibiotics. If pneumonia is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work, but antiviral drugs or NSAID pain relievers may be used.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Pneumonia. (2015).
  https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html

• Viral pneumonia: etiologies and treatment. (2018).
  https://jim.bmj.com/content/66/6/957

• Community-acquired pneumonia in adults. (2021).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000145.htm

• Azithromycin. (2020).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697037.html

• Clarithromycin. (2020).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692005.html

• Tetracycline. (2017).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682098.html

• Tetracycline. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549905/

• FDA Approves Antibiotic to Treat Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia and Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia. (2020).
  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-antibiotic-treat-hospital-acquired-bacterial-pneumonia-and-ventilator-associated

• FDA approves new antibiotic to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. (2019).
  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-antibiotic-treat-community-acquired-bacterial-pneumonia

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. (2020).
  https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/index.html

• Pneumonia. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.htm

• Pneumonia in adults – discharge. (2020).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000017.htm

• Possible beneficial actions of caffeine in SARS-CoV-2. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8196824/

• Doxycycline. (2017).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682063.html

• Doxycycline for community treatment of suspected COVID-19 in people at high risk of adverse outcomes in the UK (PRINCIPLE): a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial. (2021).
  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00310-6/fulltext

Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis) | Antibiotic Use

Español: Bronquitis

Preventing and Treating Bronchitis [PDF – 2 pages]

Cough keeping you up at night? Soreness in your chest and feeling tired? You could have a chest cold.

Antibiotics will not help you get better if you have a chest cold (acute bronchitis).

If you’re healthy without heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system, this information is for you.

What is a chest cold (acute bronchitis)?

A chest cold, often called acute bronchitis, occurs when the airways of the lungs swell and produce mucus in the lungs. That’s what makes you cough. Acute bronchitis can last less than 3 weeks.

Causes

A virus usually causes acute bronchitis. Bacteria can sometimes cause acute bronchitis. But, even in these cases, taking antibiotics is NOT advised and will not help you get better.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute bronchitis last less than 3 weeks and can include:

• Coughing with or without mucus
• Soreness in the chest
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches
• Sore throat

• What is a chest cold (acute bronchitis)?
• Causes
• Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Treatment
• How to Feel Better
• Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children
• Prevention

Swelling of airways in the lungs produce mucus in the lungs and makes you cough.

View Larger

Top of Page

When to Seek Medical Care

Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.

See a doctor if you have any of the following:

• Temperature of 100.4 °F or higher
• Cough with bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
• Repeated episodes of bronchitis

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Top of Page

Treatment

What antibiotics treat and won’t treat

Transcript [TXT – 294 B]

Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own—without antibiotics. Antibiotics won’t help you get better if you have acute bronchitis.

When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff  infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

Other illnesses like whooping cough (pertussis) or pneumonia can have similar symptoms to acute bronchitis. If you have whooping cough or pneumonia, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.

How to Feel Better

Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
  • For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
• Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.
• Suck on lozenges. Do not give lozenges to children younger than 4 years of age.
• Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.

Top of Page

Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children

Carefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.

• Pain relievers:
  • Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen.
  • Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Never give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a very serious, but rare illness that can harm the liver and brain.

• Cough and cold medicines:
  • Children younger than 4 years old: do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Cough and cold medicines can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects in young children.
  • Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking.

Top of Page

Prevention

You can help prevent acute bronchitis by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:

• Clean your hands.
• Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Top of Page

list of top 7 drugs according to KP

Pneumonia is an infectious disease in which the lungs are affected and fluid enters the alveoli. The main causative agent of pneumonia is bacteria (about 60% of cases). Viruses and fungi may also be the cause ¹ .

Symptoms of pneumonia:

• cough at first dry, then with sputum;
• shortness of breath;
• chest pain;
• fever;
• sweating ¹ .

About half of pneumonia cases require hospitalization, and another third cause serious complications. The main reasons for the severe course of the disease are late seeking medical help and improperly selected therapy.

It is important to see a doctor at the first sign of pneumonia. Only he can choose the right treatment that will allow you to endure a serious illness without any complications.

Selection of therapy should be carried out only by a doctor, taking into account symptoms, anamnesis, laboratory and instrumental data.

We have selected 7 groups of antibiotics for pneumonia in adults, which are included in the standard of care.

List of top 7 antibiotics for pneumonia according to KP

Important! All drugs have side effects and contraindications. Our material is an overview and does not serve as a guide to action. Before buying drugs, consult your doctor.

For the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia at home and in the hospital, antibiotics from the following pharmacological groups are used ²

• penicillins;
• macrolides;
• fluoroquinolones;
• cephalosporins;
• glycopeptides;
• carbapenems;
• oxazolidinones.

Penicillins

Antibiotics from the penicillin group are the drugs of choice for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), that is, they are used first. Patients without severe comorbidities and risk factors are prescribed amoxicillin. It belongs to beta-lactam antibiotics and demonstrates high activity against S. pneumoniae, the main causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia.

Patients with comorbidities and risk factors may be given amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid or ampicillin plus sulbactam (a medicine that contains a cephalosporin antibiotic).

Contraindications for the use of : hypersensitivity to penicillins and carbapenems, infectious mononucleosis, lymphocytic leukemia.

Macrolides

Macrolides are not considered first-line therapy due to the high resistance of S. pneumoniae, the most common causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia. Macrolides are indicated if the patient cannot be prescribed other drugs, and also if pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as M. pneumoniae or C. pneumoniae.

Treatments commonly used are azithromycin and clarithromycin.

Contraindications for the use of : severe hepatic and renal insufficiency, ventricular arrhythmia and tachycardia, porphyria, 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation, hypokalemia, concomitant use of certain drugs.

Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotics in this group are alternative drugs for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. Fluoroquinolones are indicated in patients with concomitant diseases and other risk factors, as well as in the resistance of S. pneumoniae (the causative agent of the disease) to macrolides.

Respiratory fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin), which are active against bacteria that cause infectious diseases of the lower respiratory tract, are commonly used for treatment. Fluoroquinolones have low toxicity and are generally well tolerated.

Contraindications for : hypersensitivity, epilepsy, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat community-acquired pneumonia in patients at high risk of infection with P. aeruginosa, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), or PRP (penicillin-resistant pneumococcus). Preparations of the II, III and IV generations (ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, etc.) are prescribed.

Antibiotics are administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Cephalosporins have a wide spectrum of activity and have a bactericidal effect, that is, they “kill” bacteria by damaging their cell wall.

Contraindications for : Hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins and other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Glycopeptides

Patients at high risk of MRSA infection may be given vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic. It disrupts the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and the permeability of cell membranes, and also inhibits the formation of bacterial RNA.

Contraindications for : hypersensitivity, 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation, acoustic neuritis, severe renal impairment.

Carbapenems

Carbapenems are drugs for the alternative treatment of pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa or enterobacteria. The patient may be prescribed meropenem, ertapenem, imipenem. Carbapenems have a bactericidal effect: they inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and eventually cause their death.

Contraindications for use : hypersensitivity to carbapenems.

Oxazolidinones

The antibiotic linezolid may be used in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in patients at high risk of MRSA infection. As a rule, it is combined with levofloxacin. Subsequently, the drug can be prescribed in tablet form.

Contraindications for the use of : hypersensitivity, concomitant use of MAO inhibitors, uncontrolled hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, bipolar disorder.

How to choose antibiotics for pneumonia in an adult

Selection of an antibacterial drug is carried out only by a doctor. Sometimes a specialist writes only the active substance in the prescription, then the patient himself must choose the trade name of the drug.

Basic rules for choosing an antibacterial drug:

1. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, then you can choose granules for suspension or dispersible form , which can be dissolved in a glass of water and drunk.
2. Do not rely on additives in the preparation. It is better to choose a product with one active substance (which was prescribed by a doctor) and additionally purchase everything else (probiotics, prebiotics).
3. If you have an allergy, be sure to see the composition and contraindications. Substances (sweeteners for example) may be added to the preparation, which are not recommended for some people.
4. It is better to buy the drug for the entire course immediately . Otherwise, then it may end up in a pharmacy, and it is not recommended to change the manufacturer during treatment.

Popular Questions and Answers

We discussed important issues related to the prescription of antibiotics for pneumonia with Tatyana Pomerantseva , a general practitioner of the highest category .

Can pneumonia be cured without antibiotics?

– It is possible, but these are rather isolated and non-standard cases. In most cases, pneumonia is caused by bacteria and requires the mandatory prescription of antibacterial drugs from the moment of diagnosis.

Is it possible to buy antibiotics for pneumonia without a prescription?

— No, all antibiotics are prescription drugs. Only a doctor, taking into account the clinic, anamnesis, mandatory laboratory and instrumental data, can prescribe the correct drug.

Self-medication for such a serious illness as pneumonia can not only lead to hospitalization and complications, but even death.

What if antibiotics don’t work for pneumonia?

— There are reasons why the prescribed antibiotic therapy does not give the desired effect:

• resistance (resistance) of a microorganism to a given antibiotic;
• pneumonia is caused by a virus or fungi;
• insufficient dosage of the drug;
• the onset of the disease (the drug has not yet had time to act).

If symptoms persist or worsen within 3-4 days due to continued use of antibiotics, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Community-acquired pneumonia in adults”, 2021. https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/schema/654_1#doc_a2
2. Rational use of antibiotics in community-acquired pneumonia. Ponomareva A.A., Kononova S.V., Mozgovaya N.A., Konyshkina T.M., Zhdanovich I.V. Journal “Medical Almanac”, 2011.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ratsionalnoe-ispolzovanie-antibiotikov-pri-lechenii-vnebolnichnoy-pnevmonii

Antibiotics for pneumonia – buy antibiotics for inflammation of the lungs in children and adults in Ukraine

• Goods
• Prices in pharmacies

Product: 487

Sorting:
Behind the ratingVid cheapVid expensive

View:

Go to bowl

Go to bowl

Go to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Go to the box

Go to the box

Go to the box to cat

go to cat

go to cat

go to cat

go to cat

go to cat

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

9 0156 Go to box

Go to box

Go to box

Go to

Go to

Go to

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

9 0197 Go to box

Go to box

Go to box

Go to

Go to

Go to

Go to

Go to

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box

Jump to box cat

go to cat

go to cat

Editorial team

Creation date: 06/03/2022
Date updated: 02. 07.2023

Antibiotic for pneumonia

Inflammation of the leg or pneumonia – acute infectious disease, as it accompanies the esophagus of the leg tissue, along with the penetration of the leg into the tissue of the leg, damage to the acid exchange. Mechanism of consumption of pathogenic microorganism in the history of infections from the distal activity of a person. For an hour in the air, once again, move through the trachea, pass through the bronchi, bronchioles and reach the alveoli in the legs. Gas exchange takes place in the alveoli: acid through the alveolar again penetrates into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is removed from the body. Sounds, it’s important for bacteria and viruses to take a breath in the middle of the lungs through the dyhal passages, the stinks of the stench are well protected by macrophages – clitins, so that pathogens and microvilli from the mucus sacs are eliminated, and sputum is excreted for additional coughing, and with it bacteria. Weakened immunity and other factors can lead to colonization of alveoli and bronchioles by microorganisms, resulting in pneumonia.

Causes of pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of low-level, medium viruses, bacteria and fungi:

• Causes of viral pneumonia types of viruses: influenza A and B, coronavirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus and in.
• Bacterial pneumonia is caused by streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus or others, atypical bacteria – chlamydia, legionella, mycoplasma. Of course, mycobacteria can become the cause of inflammation of the legends, which are caused by the most common growths.
• Mushrooms, like an oasis of ill health, sprout more and more regionally. They include coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis.

The difference between bronchitis and pneumonia

Bronchitis and pneumonia are different illnesses, which are caused by an interruption in therapy. Signs of both pathologies are similar, and often bronchitis can progress to a sore leg. Symptoms of ailment є:

• the presence of a long-term, hangover cough with sputum or without it;
• the appearance of a total weakness of the body;
• high body temperature.

Inflamed legenia more unsafe state, lower bronchitis. As a rule, due to aggravated GRVI or flu, and symptoms may occur:

• manifestation of a persistent productive or non-productive cough;
• sore throat;
• painful sensations in the chest cleft, like coughing during attacks;
• wheezing and difficulty in breathing;
• chills.

Therapy of bronchitis with additional antibiotics is not effective and is only effective in cases of secondary bacterial infection. For the treatment of ailments, vicorous preparations are used for medical purposes – anti-inflammatory diseases and mucolytics.

Most acute bronchitis turns into inflammation of the lungs. Tse vіdbuvaєtsya vnaslіdok:

• incorrectly chosen therapy;
• nedolіkovanogo zahvoryuvannya chi vіdsutnostі lіkuvannya.

Untimely treatment of pneumonia can lead to serious complications, and sometimes to death, especially in patients of a frail age. Manifestations of pneumonia є:

• pain in the chest;
• disp;
• difficulty breathing;
• the back is strong from the back of the mouth to the mouth of the m’yaziv shi, belly and back;
• productive cough with pus and phlegm;
• dry nonproductive cough;
• headaches;
• chills and fever;
• hot volume;
• daily appetite;
• decrease in arterial pressure.

The main symptoms of pneumonia in bronchitis are temperature and the nature of wheezing. When the leg is inflamed, the temperature of the body rises to 39-41 degrees and stays for a long time, bronchitis is accompanied by insignificant changes. Also, with bronchitis, wheezing and wheezing are observed, and with pneumonia, the veins are more dry. Do not forget that if you try independently to treat bronchitis like pneumonia in mature children and vibuduvaty tactics of likuvannya, keruyuchisya solely by the power of subjective judgments, not only can lead to wrong-doing health, ale and th give birth to life. Therefore, at times, if any of the rehabilitated more symptoms appear, they will turn negainally to the doctor!

What are the trace tests for diagnosing pneumonia?

The suspicion of a sore leg will require a thorough diagnosis and diagnosis by a medical specialist. The doctor conducts an external review, takes an anamnesis, records the history of illness and other symptoms. In order to confirm the pathology and explain the causes of the vindication, the doctor can indicate the following:

• total blood test and section;
• analysis for sputum.

The main diagnostic method for the diagnosis of pneumonia is chest radiography. Zavdyaki znіmkam can show darkening in the muscles, de є damage to the tissue of the leg. In times where it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis, a computer or magnetic resonance tomography may be required.

Types of drugs for pneumonia and the principle of treatment

For the treatment of pneumonia, use the best antibiotics, which are added to microorganisms that cause damage. An antibiotic for pneumonia blocks vitally important pathogenic processes, or more galmosis of their reproduction. According to the principle of division, there are two types of antibacterial drugs – narrow and wide spectrum. Vuzkodirectional medicines are injected into the same type of bacteria, at that time, as a preparation and a wide range of well, they can cope well with a number of ailments. Before that, in order to buy antibiotic tablets and injections for pneumonia, it is necessary to determine the type of pathogen and its reaction to the drug. For whom to conduct an analysis for bacterial culture. Based on the results of the follow-up, the drug selects the optimal score (in tablets in injectable forms), the course of treatment and yoga trivality.

For the treatment of inflammation of the leg, older and children, such antibacterial preparations are prescribed: The stench destroys the walls of microorganisms and saturates them with their ruin. The faces are effective against gram-positive pathogens, and those of synthetic forms are vicarious for the fight against gram-negative bacteria. Before the antibiotics of the penicillin series, there are drugs penicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, ampicillin.

Macrolides – medicines indicated for the treatment of hospitalized and chronic infections. It is prescribed for allergic reactions to antibacterial penicillin drugs. Macrolides block the synthesis of protein on equal bacterial ribosomes without interfering with cells in the body. Inactive speech macrolides – azithromycin (available for sale as tablets, capsules, powder for oral suspension preparation, powder for intravenous infusion), clarithromycin, midecamycin, spiramycin.

An important role in the treatment of inflammation of the legens in the diet of the patient, the shards of the right products are taken to protect the mechanisms of the body and help to prevent infection with infections. Might as well be different, but the trouble is to follow the liver, steam, cooking products, as well as rare strains, like sprying the robotic slug. Dotrimannya ration pіd hour pnevnії priryuє oduzhannya.

What is prescribed for pneumonia in children?

The treatment of pneumonia in children is similar to the treatment of adults and directs to identify the causes of the culprit pathology and competent selection of antibacterial agents and their dosing is appropriate to the age of the child. After looking around and confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic in case of inflammation of the legens for children and evaluates its effectiveness in 48-72 years. As soon as symptoms of illness occur, the drug is administered and a course of treatment is continued. It is impossible to interrupt yoga, you should take faces for the doctor’s attribution. In times of non-diagnosis, the yoga drug is changed to an antibiotic from another group.

You can find out the name, choose and buy current antibiotics for treating inflammation of the leg at the help site MIS Pharmacy 9-1-1. The catalog of presentations has a wide range of antibacterial drugs at an affordable price, so you can order delivery to any region of Ukraine.

References

1. GoodRX;
2. Sovereign register of medical supplies of Ukraine;
3. The New England Journal of Medicine.

Popular nutrition

Are antibiotics for pneumonia unsafe?

As well as more potent drugs, strong antibiotics for the treatment of pneumonia can be unsafe for health. Therefore, before you buy antibacterial drugs, you need to consult a doctor and carefully follow up on all recommendations when taking them.

What are the side effects of antibiotics against pneumonia?

Crimium of those in power, antibiotics may be a side effect. Nasampered, allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the components of the drug. A detailed list of side effects is given in the instructions for a specific medication.

Why are women allowed to use antibacterial drugs?

Antibiotics for pneumonia in case of pregnancy may be taken only according to the indications and indications of the doctor. Most often, antibacterial preparations from the group of synthetic penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides are used.

Expanded supply

What are inexpensive products in the category Antibiotics for pneumonia?

Which import products are in the category Antibiotics for pneumonia?

What are the most popular products in the category Antibiotics for pneumonia?

How many products in the category Antibiotics for pneumonia?

Prices for products in the category Antibiotics for pneumonia start at 4.