Common antibiotic names: Antibiotics: List of Common Antibiotics & Types

05.11.202027.07.2023 by alexxlab

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What Are the Most Common Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a common, important group of medicines that treat bacterial infections. Some antibiotics attack or break down the cell walls of bacteria, while others inhibit their protein production. This kills the bacteria or keeps it from reproducing and spreading.

Oral antibiotics are available in liquid, tablet, and capsule form. Topical antibiotics include skin creams, sprays, and ointments. Eye ointments, eye drops, and ear drops are also available. Severe infections may require injected or intravenous antibiotics.

Healthcare professionals prescribe different antibiotics to treat conditions such as strep throat, bronchitis, and inner ear infections. In this case, these infections are moderate to severe and have not improved with other treatments.

Antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses, such as a cold, the flu, or mono.

These drugs are grouped according to their antibacterial activity and chemical structure. Specific antibiotics fight certain bacteria, which makes it important to take the right kind. A healthcare professional may ask for a lab culture test to determine which antibiotics you need.

Read on to learn more about the most common types of antibiotics and which infections they treat. We also explore the common side effects of antibiotics, which can include gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as more serious effects.

Here are some types of antibiotics that doctors prescribe most often.

Penicillins

Penicillins are a common treatment for a variety of skin conditions. They also treat middle ear, kidney, and blood infections. Penicillin antibiotics are effective at killing Staphylococci and Streptococci infections. But some bacteria are resistant to penicillin, due to overuse.

Common penicillin antibiotics include:

phenoxymethylpenicillin
dicloxacillin
amoxicillin with clavulanic acid
ampicillin
nafcillin
oxacillin
penicillin V
penicillin G

Potential side effects include:

nausea
abdominal discomfort
diarrhea
headache
yeast infection
liver disease

Penicillin may cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, hives, and breathing difficulties.

Some medications that may interact with penicillin include oral contraceptives and the anti-inflammatories aspirin and probenecid.

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins often treat gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sinusitis. They also treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), epididymo-orchitis, and cellulitis. Often, doctors prescribe cephalosporins to people who are allergic to penicillin.

Common cephalosporin antibiotics include:

cefaclor
cefazolin
cefadroxil
cephalexin
cefuroxime
cefixime
cefoxitin
ceftriaxone

Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties that can treat several bacterial infections. They commonly treat chest, urethral, and pelvic infections. Tetracyclines also treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis.

Common tetracycline antibiotics include:

doxycycline
minocycline
sarecycline

Children under 12 and pregnant or breastfeeding people should not take tetracyclines because they have the potential to stain developing teeth.

They can also cause inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. To prevent this, make sure to take doxycycline while sitting or standing upright, and have plenty of water. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid sun exposure, since doxycycline causes photosensitivity, which can lead to sunburn.

Finally, it’s best to take this type of antibiotic after eating to prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Minocycline has more potential side effects than doxycycline, though it’s less likely to cause photosensitivity. Possible adverse effects of minocycline include drug hypersensitivity syndrome, autoimmune reactions, and dizziness and headache. Also, using it for a long period may cause blue pigmentation of skin and nails.

Medications that may interact with tetracyclines include:

systemic retinoids, such as acitretin, isotretinoin, and alitretinoin
diuretics
lithium
anticonvulsants
rifampicin
celestipol
oral contraceptives

Macrolides

Macrolides are an antibiotic group with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. They can treat strains of bacteria that are resistant to penicillin. They are also a suitable option for people who are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin.

These antibiotics commonly treat skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia. Healthcare professionals use them, for example, to treat skin conditions like acne, rosacea, erythrasma, and pityriasis lichenoides.

Types of macrolides include:

erythromycin
clarithromycin
azithromycin
fidaxomicin
roxithromycin

Macrolides, especially erythromycin and clarithromycin, can adversely interact with certain medications. Reactions and toxicity are more common in older adults and people with renal or liver dysfunction.

Medications that may interact with macrolides include:

calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil
amiodarone
methadone
lithium
amitriptyline
citalopram
anticoagulants, including warfarin and dabigatran
digoxin
benzodiazepines
carbamazepine
cimetidine
clozapine
colchicine
theophylline

Fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones, also called quinolones, can fight bacterial infections that are life threatening or challenging to treat. However, they are linked with antimicrobial resistance, so you shouldn’t take them unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Fluoroquinolones are the first-line treatment for prostatitis, along with severe cases of salmonellosis and shigellosis. Doctors also often use them to treat certain cases of epididymo-orchitis, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. Sometimes, fluoroquinolones treat urinary, eye, and ear infections.

Types of fluoroquinolone include:

ciprofloxacin
ofloxacin
levofloxacin
moxifloxacin

For people with renal dysfunction, taking this type of drug may require adjustments to dosages of other medications. And, rarely, fluoroquinolone can cause serious adverse effects, especially in older adults.

Potential side effects include:

tendon rupture
aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection
aortic and mitral regurgitation
central nervous system excitation and seizures
QT prolongation
other cardiac conditions

Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides, also called sulfa drugs, are a type of synthetic antimicrobial that doctors prescribe when first-line treatments are ineffective or contraindicated. The most common type is sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, called co-trimoxazole. It treats conditions such as pneumocystis pneumonia and nocardiosis in people with weakened immunity, as well as infections of the lower urinary tract in children.

Types of sulfonamides include:

sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim
sulfasalazine
sulfacetamide
sulfadiazine silver

Sulfonamides are unsafe during pregnancy because they increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss.

Potential side effects include:

jaundice in newborns
candidiasis
folate deficiency
headaches
anorexia
hyperkalaemia

Medications that may interact with sulfonamides include:

warfarin
sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents
phenytoin
methotrexate

Glycopeptides

Glycopeptide antibiotics treat drug-resistant bacteria and gram-positive infections, including multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA.

Types of glycopeptides include:

vancomycin
dalbavancin
oritavancin
telavancin

Below, find answers to common questions about antibiotics.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria survive or resist antibiotic treatment. Bacteria change and mutate to protect themselves after coming into contact with an antibiotic or other bacteria. Once a type of bacteria is resistant, it passes these genes to other bacteria, which continue to grow. Eventually, they create a new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Misusing and overusing antibiotics increases the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. Over time, this may lead to a shortage of medications that can effectively treat common infections.

How can I prevent antibiotic resistance?

To prevent antibiotic resistance, avoid taking antibiotics unless it is essential. Don’t take them for viral infections, such as a cold or the flu. Always follow the instructions from your healthcare professional about how much to take when. To prevent infections, clean your hands and living spaces regularly, and take steps to strengthen your immune system.

Are there any natural antibiotics?

Natural antibiotics include honey, thyme essential oil, and oregano essential oil. Extracts of garlic, cranberry, and myrrh also have antibiotic properties. Several herbs are effective antibiotics, including echinacea, turmeric, and ginger.

Natural UTI treatments include D-mannose and uva ursi, along with green, parsley, mint, and chamomile teas.

You can experiment with different combinations of natural treatments to find out which are most effective for your needs.

Antibiotics kill bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. They are valuable drugs that treat bacterial infections. It’s crucial to use them correctly and follow the healthcare professional’s instructions carefully.

It’s also important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions of antibiotics. Speak with your doctor if you have any related concerns.

Antibiotics – Tests & treatments

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They kill bacteria or prevent them from reproducing and spreading.

Antibiotics aren’t effective against viral infections. This includes the common cold, flu, most coughs and sore throats.

Antibiotics aren’t routinely prescribed for mild bacterial infections. This is because the immune system can usually clear these on it’s own.

When are antibiotics used?

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that:

are unlikely to clear up without antibiotics
could infect others unless treated
could take too long to clear without treatment
carry a risk of more serious complications

Antibiotics to prevent infection

Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent an infection. This is known as antibiotic prophylaxis.

Surgery

Antibiotic prophylaxis is normally recommended if you’re having surgery in a certain area. This is because there could be a higher risk of infection.

Your surgical team will be able to tell you if you need antibiotic prophylaxis.

People vulnerable to infection

Antibiotics may be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to infection. This includes:

people aged over 75 years
babies less than 72 hours old with a confirmed bacterial infection
babies with a high risk of developing a bacterial infection
people with heart failure
people who have to take insulin to control their diabetes
people with a weakened immune system

Bites or wounds

Antibiotic prophylaxis may be recommended for a wound that has a high chance of becoming infected. This could be an animal or human bite, for example, or a wound that has come into contact with soil or faeces.

Medical conditions

There are several medical conditions that make people particularly vulnerable to infection. This makes antibiotic prophylaxis necessary.

The spleen plays an important role in filtering out harmful bacteria from the blood. If your spleen doesn’t work properly, this means antibiotics can help prevent infection.

People more vulnerable to infection include those:

who’ve had their spleen removed
having chemotherapy for cancer
with the blood disorder sickle cell anaemia

Recurring infection

Antibiotic prophylaxis may also be recommended for a recurring infection, like:

cellulitis
a urinary tract infection
genital herpes
rheumatic fever