Antibiotics are the medications that are specifically used against the bacterial infections. They are the best medicine to cure the bacterial infections. Nearly all the different types of the bacterial infections are being treated with the help of the antibiotics. Bactericidal and bacteriostatic are the two categories of antibiotics. Bactericidal antibiotics act directly by killing the bacterial infections. Bacteriostatic antibiotics act by stopping the multiplication of the bacterial infections. Bacteriostatic antibiotics are prescribed as the preliminary level of treatment, whereas bactericidal antibiotics are prescribed as final level treatment of bacterial infections. But, depending on your level of infection doctor may prescribe you directly bactericidal antibiotics.
Antibiotics are the medications that show effect only on the bacterial. So, use antibiotics only for bacterial infections. Viral and fungal infections cannot be cured with the help of the antibiotics. Antibiotics are prepared from the bacteria that have the antibacterial quality. This was first noted by the Sir. Alexander Fleming. Antibiotics began a new revolution in the field of medicines. No other medication was noted be as effective as antibiotics against the bacterial infections. Previously, people use to die because of the bacterial infections. But, now due to the use of the antibiotics deaths caused by the antibiotics are being considerably reduced. Antibiotics of different types have been noted to be discovered and are very effective against different bacterial infections.
It is strict warning from all the leading pharmaceutical association that, use antibiotics only for bacterial infections because if used for any other infections can lead to some severe infections. Antibiotics are taken only after confirming that you are suffering with the bacterial infection. For this the laboratory tests are done that makes it clear that which type of infection you are suffering with. Even doctors prescribe you the medications on the basis of these laboratory results. The problem of infections is becoming very common nowadays because of the unhealthy lifestyle that we are living. Sexually transmitted infections are the most common infections noted nowadays. Whatever may be the severity of infection you can cure it with the help of the antibiotics.
Bacteria are of two types aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic means bacteria that require air for survival and anaerobic bacteria are those that can survive without air. Both these bacteria can be cured with the help of the antibiotics. You can overcome the bacterial infections within 5 to 7 days with the help of the antibiotic drugs. Sometimes the timing may increase depending on the severity of infection and your overall health status. Remember that antibiotics are to be taken only as per the recommended dosage, if you take in excess it may result in the increases side effects. Regular excessive intake of bacterial infections may result in coma or sudden cardiac arrest.
Antibiotics are taken only for bacterial infections because if you take them when not required it may cause severe problems to your health. Remember you may also get some unwanted infection due to this type of unnecessary intake of antibiotics. These types of infections caused by the antibiotic medication are very difficult to cure and may cause permanent damage to your health. Antibiotics are recommended only for the bacterial infections any other health problems are not cured with the help of these medications. Many times we take it granted that what we are suffering with is bacterial infection and we take the previously prescribed antibiotics for it. But, this is where we put our health in more danger because it can not be confirmed just by visual appearance that which type of bacterial infection we are suffering with. So, please confirm this with laboratory tests and use antibiotics only for the bacterial infections.
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Antibiotics – a progress and a very important part in medicine. These medications are used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. The following facts about antibiotics will help you to understand how antibiotics works, the possible side effects and the importance of taking antibiotics as prescribed by the health care provider.
Antibiotics do not work against the whole Infections
Antibiotics works only against infections caused by bacteria. This medication is not generally effective against most infections. That is why your doctor will rarely prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infection.
Some antibiotics are effective against only a certain type of bacteria, while others may deal effectively with a wide range of it. Bacterial infections include strep throat (not all) ear infection, bladder and lung infections. Not all bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics. Based on your illness and symptoms (make laboratory tests if necessary), your doctor can prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic that will work best for you.
Antibiotics can cause side effects.
If your doctor prescribe an antibiotic, be sure to ask him or her what are the possible side effects. Antibiotics can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. Some people may experience an allergic reaction (characterized by rash and itching or in severe cases, difficulty breathing). If you experience any side effects when you take antibiotics, you should call your doctor.
Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics no longer work against. Antibiotic resistance has been accelerated by extreme overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals.Taking antibiotics too frequently, for too long, or not completing the course of antibiotics will result in increased resistance of bacteria by different mechanisms.
It is very important to take antibiotics as it was prescribed.
Antibiotics should be taken only when it was prescribed by your doctor. Consult the hear care professional before taking any other medications because it may interact in a negative way and cause a worse effect for you.You should never take antibiotics given to you by somebody else or which were prescribed for a previous illness.
Below you will find three basic and important steps to ensure that your antibiotic treatment will be effective:
1. Always take the prescribed dosage. The dosage is very important factor in antibiotic effectiveness. If the dosage is not adequate, it will not be effective in treating infections and bacteria and it is more likely to develop resistance because the bacteria continue to grow and develop ways to break the effects of the antibiotic.
2. Take the full course of antibiotics as it was prescribed by the health care professional. Very often, when the patient feels better and it seems like the disease is gone, he stops to use antibiotics. However, even after symptoms are gone, the bacteria may still be present and the infection can return if the use of the antibiotic is stopped. It may also promote resistance to antibiotics.
3. Antibiotics should not be saved and reused. You should always take the full course of antibiotic treatment, because none of the drug is necessary any more.However, if this happens, antibiotics should not be taken to any other disease. Different types of infections requires different types of antibiotics, so taking the remaining treatments are not effective.
Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotics or before stoping to use the prescribed course.
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Cephalosporins are the most frequently prescribed class of antibiotics. Cephalosporins are bactericidal agents, which means that they kill bacteria. They have the same mode of action as as penicillins. All bacterial cells have a cell wall that protects them. Cephalosporins disrupt the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, which causes the walls to break down and eventually the bacteria die.
Cephalosporin compounds were first isolated from cultures of Cephalosporium acremonium from a sewer in Sardinia in 1948 by Italian scientist Giuseppe Brotzu. The first agent cephalothin (cefalotin) was launched by Eli Lilly in 1964.
Cephalosporins are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis), skin infections and urinary tract infections. They are sometimes given with other antibiotics. Cephalosporins are also commonly used for surgical prophylaxis – prevention of bacterial infection before, during, and after surgery.
Classification of Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are grouped into “generations” based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The first cephalosporins were designated first generation while later, more extended spectrum cephalosporins were classified as second generation cephalosporins. Each newer generation has significantly greater gram-negative antimicrobial properties than the preceding generation, in most cases with decreased activity against gram-positive organisms. Fourth generation cephalosporins, however, have true broad spectrum activity.
First generation
First generation cephalosporins are moderate spectrum agents. They are effective alternatives for treating staphylococcal and streptococcal infections and therefore are alternatives for skin and soft-tissue infections, as well as for streptococcal pharyngitis.
The first generation cephalosporins are Cefadroxil, Cephalexin, Cephaloridine, Cephalothin, Cephapirin, Cefazolin, and Cephradine. Cefazolin is the most commonly used first generation cephalosporin. The others have similar efficacy to Cephalexin, but must be dosed more often, and are therefore not as commonly prescribed.
Second generation
The second generation cephalosporins have a greater gram-negative spectrum while retaining some activity against gram-positive bacteria. They are useful agents for treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sinusitis and otitis media. These agents are also active against E. coli, Klebsiella and Proteus, which makes them potential alternatives for treating urinary tract infections caused by these organisms.
The second generation cephalosporins are Cefaclor, Cefoxitin, Cefprozil, Cefuroxime.
Third generation
Third generation cephalosporins have a broad spectrum of activity and further increased activity against gram-negative organisms. Some members of this group (particularly those available in an oral formulation) have decreased activity against gram-positive organisms. The parenteral third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefotaxime) have excellent activity against most strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including the vast majority of those with intermediate and high level resistance to penicillin. These agents also have activity against N. gonorrhoeae. Ceftazidime has useful antipseudomonal activity.
The third generation cephalosporins are Cefdinir, Cefixime, Cefpodoxime, Ceftibuten, Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime.
Fourth generation
Fourth generation cephalosporins are extended spectrum agents with similar activity against gram-positive organisms as first generation cephalosporins. They also have a greater resistance to beta-lactamases than the third generation cephalosporins. Many can cross blood brain barrier and are effective in meningitis.
The fourth generation cephalosporins are Cefepime, Cefluprenam, Cefozopran, Cefpirome, Cefquinome.
Cefepime is a more gram-negative drug with somewhat enhanced activity against pseudomonas but slightly lesser activity against pneumococci. Cefpirome is more active against pneumococci and has somewhat lesser activity against pseudomonas. These drugs also have activity against nosocomial pathogens such as Enterobacter and Acinetobacter and their use should therefore be restricted to the setting of nosocomial sepsis.
Side effects
Cephalosporins generally cause few side effects. Common side effects involve mainly the digestive system: stomach cramps or upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away over time. Cephalosporins can sometimes cause overgrowth of fungus normally present in the body. This overgrowth can cause mild side effects such as a sore tongue, sores inside the mouth, or vaginal yeast infections.
More serious but infrequent reactions that can sometimes occur with cephalosporins include: black, tarry stools; chest pain; fever; painful or difficult urination; allergic reactions; serious colitis. Serious colitis is a rare side effect that includes severe watery diarrhea (sometimes containing blood or mucus), severe stomach cramps, fever, and weakness or faintness.
Because the cephalosporins are structurally similar to the penicillins, some patients allergic to penicillins may be allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic. The incidence of cross-sensitivity is approximately 5-10%.
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