{"id":417,"date":"2022-10-03T04:30:01","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T04:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=417"},"modified":"2022-10-27T05:10:40","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T05:10:40","slug":"reference-guide-for-antibiotics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/antibiotics-medications\/reference-guide-for-antibiotics\/","title":{"rendered":"Reference Guide for Antibiotics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Antibiotics interfere with the reproduction and function of bacteria, shortening infection times and making them less severe.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Antibiotics are for use on bacterial infections. They won\u2019t help with viral infections like colds, or fungal infections such as athlete\u2019s foot.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>There are multiple classes of antibiotics used for different infections, depending on resistance, severity, and condition.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>BidRX can help you get the best prices for the antibiotics you need.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics have saved countless lives, and remain one of the most common classes of medication prescribed around the world. However, as resistant strains emerge and new classes of antibiotics are developed, guidelines for which you take and for which infection change over time. Regardless of which antibiotic you need, BidRX can help you find the best price.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Antibiotics \u2014 Overview<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics are substances that interfere with the life cycle of bacteria, limiting their spread and destroying them. While we use the word \u201cantibiotic\u201d as shorthand for all substances that kill microbes, not all microbes are affected by them. Athlete\u2019s foot, for example, is a common fungal infection, while a flu is caused by a virus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adding to the confusion is that fungi, bacteria, and viruses often compete within the body, and antibiotics can sometimes trigger a \u201csuperinfection,\u201d where as bacteria are killed off, a fungal or viral infection moves in. This is often mistaken for an antibiotic-resistant infection, and many antibiotics can be paired with antifungals or antivirals to help prevent this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, antibiotics are considered either \u201cbroad spectrum,\u201d used for a number of different and usually less serious ailments, or \u201cnarrow spectrum,\u201d only used for very specific infections. This may change over time based on new research and the possible development of bacteria resistant to a specific class. Regardless of the class of antibiotic, it\u2019s crucial to complete any course \u2014 even if you feel better \u2014 to help limit the growth of resistant bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classes of antibiotics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penicillins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracyclines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalosporins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quinolones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lincomycins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macrolides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfonamides<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several classes of antibiotics are reserved for use in a hospital setting or under direct supervision by a doctor, and are generally used only in those settings. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glycopeptides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aminoglycosides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbapenems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Penicillins<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2.jpeg\" alt=\"Researcher looking at a Petri dish\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The original antibiotics, penicillins work by compromising the cell walls of infectious bacteria, keeping them from dividing and ultimately killing them. Several penicillins are still in use today, generally either semi-synthetic or fully synthetic compounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penicillins draw from natural defense mechanisms found in nature, usually imitating them. Most often, they\u2019re used for serious and rare infections that haven\u2019t developed resistance to this class of drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly prescribed penicillins include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/amoxicillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ampicillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ampicillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/international\/benzetacil.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzylpenicillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or benzetacil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/dicloxacillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dicloxacillin\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/international\/flucloxacillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flucloxacillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/international\/phenoxymethylpenicillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phenoxymethylpenicillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (penicillin V)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cdi\/piperacillin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Piperacillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications \u2014 Penicillins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penicillins are contraindicated if you have an allergy to them. Otherwise, they\u2019re generally seen as safe, including during pregnancy and nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Penicillins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The common side effects of penicillins are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic hypersensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rarer cases, a penicillin-resistant infection can spread while a non-resistant one dies out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions \u2014 Penicillins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penicillins should not be taken with tetracyclines for some infections. Be sure your doctor knows if you\u2019re already taking any other antibiotic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Tetracyclines<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-419\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3.jpeg\" alt=\"Man holding pills\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracyclines prevent bacteria from creating proteins, a process called protein synthesis, disrupting the life cycle and killing the cell. Tetracyclines were first discovered in 1948, and they treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including acne and some sexually transmitted infections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly used tetracyclines include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/tetracycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cdi\/chlortetracycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chlortetracycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cdi\/oxytetracycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxytetracycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/demeclocycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demeclocycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/minocycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minocycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/doxycycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doxycycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/tigecycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tigecycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/eravacycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eravacycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/sarecycline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sarecycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/omadacycline-oral-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omadacycline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications \u2014 Tetracyclines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracyclines should not be used when pregnant and should only be taken by children under eight with a doctor\u2019s supervision. Due to how they interfere with protein synthesis, it may cause problems with tooth development and increase skin sensitivity. People undergoing chemotherapy should verify that tetracyclines won\u2019t interact with their chemotherapy medications before taking them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Tetracyclines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effect is heightened skin sensitivity under sun exposure. Use sun protection if you\u2019ll be outside while using tetracyclines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less commonly, you may experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appetite loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes to eyesight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin discoloration, usually in the form of yellowing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children younger than eight may develop yellow or brown teeth due to tetracycline use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions \u2014 Tetracyclines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracyclines shouldn\u2019t be taken with dairy products or foods high in calcium, as calcium can negate their effects. Many common antacids and heartburn medications can also inactivate tetracyclines and shouldn\u2019t be taken with drugs in this class.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Cephalosporins<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-420\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4.jpeg\" alt=\"Man taking a pill\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins, with a similar action. However, they\u2019re derived from a different organism, so they\u2019re safe for people who are allergic to penicillin. Cephalosporins weaken and destroy the cell wall, preventing bacteria from dividing and ultimately killing them. As of this writing, they\u2019re most often used for skin infections and to prevent infections after surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalosporins are divided into \u201cgenerations\u201d as new ones are discovered. Some generations are more effective against certain types of infections than others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly used cephalosporins include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-generation cephalosporins:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefadroxil.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefadroxil<\/span> <\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefazolin-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefazolin<\/span> <\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cephalexin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalexin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second-generation cephalosporins:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefotetan.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefotetan<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefoxitin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefoxitin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefprozil.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefprozil<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefuroxime.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefuroxime<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Third-generation cephalosporins:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefdinir.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefdinir<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefditoren.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefditoren<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefixime.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefixime<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefotaxime.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefotaxime<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefpodoxime.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefpodoxime<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ceftazidime-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ceftazidime<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ceftriaxone-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ceftriaxone<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fourth-generation cephalosporin:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cefepime-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cefepime\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fifth-generation cephalosporin:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ceftaroline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ceftaroline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications \u2014 Cephalosporins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have kidney or liver disease, you should take cephalosporins with caution. Kidney disease, in particular, is associated with a higher risk of seizures with cephalosporins. Third-generation drugs in this class can also enter the cerebrospinal fluid, although it remains unclear what impact they may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking this medication, get an allergy test to confirm you don\u2019t have a cephalosporin allergy. There is some risk of a cross-allergic reaction for people with a penicillin allergy, especially for earlier generations. The risk has lessened with later generations of the class.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Cephalosporins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of cephalosporins include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imbalances in electrolytes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less commonly, you may experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a small risk of superinfection or impact on the immune system. If you have an immune disorder, discuss these risks with your doctor before use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions \u2014 Cephalosporins<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re taking anticoagulants or blood thinners, cephalosporins may not be a good option for you. They\u2019ve been associated with reduced clotting ability and may increase safety risks from injury. Consuming alcohol while taking cephalosporins may trigger an adverse and potentially fatal reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Quinolones<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-421\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/5.jpeg\" alt=\"Nurse talking to a senior patient\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A broad-spectrum antibiotic, quinolones are currently among the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. They prevent bacterial DNA from duplicating and can more easily enter the cell than other antibiotics, so they\u2019re often used for serious infections, particularly around the urinary tract.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quinolones currently in use include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/ciprofloxacin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ciprofloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Cipro, Proquin XR)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/delafloxacin-oral-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delafloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Baxdela)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/gemifloxacin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gemifloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Factive)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/levofloxacin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levofloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Levaquin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/moxifloxacin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moxifloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Avelox)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ofloxacin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ofloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Floxin)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications &#8211; Quinolones<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children are only given quinolones under very strict and serious circumstances, as animal studies have found possible effects on the bones and muscles of juveniles. If you have a musculoskeletal concern, discuss the risks with your doctor before taking them, as they may increase the risk of tendonitis and similar ailments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have diabetes, quinolones may cause low blood sugar, and you may need to monitor your blood sugar more often.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects &#8211; Quinolones<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of quinolones as a class include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also may impact the results of liver function tests and electrocardiograms (ECGs).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More rarely, quinolones may cause:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nerve pain\/loss of feeling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light sensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Interactions &#8211; Quinolones<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, and zinc can all interfere with the absorption of quinolones, and supplements or over-the-counter medicines like antacids with these elements should be avoided during a course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People taking benzodiazepines may experience withdrawal symptoms, as quinolones bond to the same sites as these drugs. Quinolones also interact with liver enzymes to varying degrees, so any drug cleared by these enzymes should be closely managed while on a course of quinolones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Lincosamides<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6.jpeg\" alt=\"Doctor looking at a pill bottle\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to penicillins, lincosamides work by preventing bacterial replication. Most commonly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/clindamycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clindamycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used for a wide range of infections, including dental infections, joint infections, and ear infections. The first lincosamide, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/lincomycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lincomycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is only used on resistant bacteria and for people who have penicillin allergies due to its often strong toxicity and side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Contraindications &#8211; Lincosamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to its impacts on the gut biome, if you have a gastrointestinal concern, you should use lincosamides with caution as they may increase the risk of enterocolitis, and it may make your symptoms more uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re allergic to yellow food dye or aspirin, lincosamides are not recommended. If you\u2019re using a topical version, inform your doctor if you have eczema or skin allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side effects &#8211; Lincosamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taken internally, side effects of lincosamides include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used on the skin, the most common side effects are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dryness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scaling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peeling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Interactions &#8211; Lincosamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lincosamides should not be combined with other antibiotics, particularly macrolides, chloramphenicol, or erythromycin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Macrolides<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-423\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/7.jpeg\" alt=\"Doctor consulting a patient\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Originally found in soil, macrolides block protein synthesis and are primarily used to fight gram-positive infections as well as some respiratory and soft tissue infections. It\u2019s also effective against some infections that other antibiotics can treat, such as mycobacteria. Some macrolides are not antibiotics and are used as immunosuppressants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common antibiotic macrolides include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/azithromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Zithromax or a \u201cZ-pack\u201d)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/clarithromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clarithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Biaxin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/erythromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erythromycin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications &#8211; Macrolides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have liver disease, most macrolides are not recommended, although azithromycin is generally safe. Macrolides generally leave the body through the liver and can build up in the body. For this reason, infants shouldn\u2019t take macrolides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some macrolides may cause a lengthening of the QT interval, the time between when the heart\u2019s ventricles contract and relax. People with abnormal heart rhythms should only use macrolides under a doctor\u2019s supervision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects &#8211; Macrolides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effect of macrolides are gastrointestinal symptoms, as they disrupt gut flora. Headaches and nausea are sometimes also reported. You may also sunburn more easily and should use high-SPF sun protection when taking macrolides.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions &#8211; Macrolides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminum and magnesium may interfere with metabolizing macrolides, so avoid any supplements or over-the-counter medications that contain them. You should also avoid any drugs that affect the QT interval.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Sulfonamides<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-424\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8.jpeg\" alt=\"Doctor discussing pills with patient\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes called \u201csulfa\u201d drugs, sulfonamides were first discovered in 1906 and began to be widely used in the 1930s. They are bacteriostatic, preventing reproduction but not otherwise harming the bacteria. They stop the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, and similar to macrolides, several nonantibiotic sulfonamides are used for other purposes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfonamides are most commonly used to treat acne or urinary tract infections, but interest is growing in using them against bacteria resistant to other classes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, the most common sulfonamides still in use for antibiotic purposes are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/sulfacetamide-sodium-topical.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfacetamide<\/span> <\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Klaron, Ovace)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/sulfadiazine.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfadiazine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/sulfamethoxazole-and-trimethoprim.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfamethoxazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Bactrim)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cons\/sulfisoxazole.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfisoxazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Truxazole)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contraindications &#8211; Sulfonamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An estimated 3% of the population may be allergic to antibiotic sulfonamides, especially when given in large doses, so take an allergy test before using them. If you have HIV, your risk may be elevated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, research indicates that non-antibiotic sulfonamides are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, so previous use of this class of drugs for an unrelated purpose should not replace a formal allergy test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have kidney disease or a blood disorder, sulfonamides should only be used in the absence of a better alternative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects &#8211; Sulfonamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a class, sulfonamides have the following common side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidiasis (thrush)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Folic acid deficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itch and rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you become dehydrated while taking sulfonamides, crystals may form in the kidneys.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions &#8211; Sulfonamides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfonamides should not be used with blood thinners, except in the absence of other options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>BidRX can help you get the best price for antibiotics<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you need antibiotics, BidRX can help you get the best price. After a simple sign-up, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create a bid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and pharmacies across the country will tender offers to fill your prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, compare prices and choose your pharmacy. Choose a local pharmacy or have your antibiotics mailed to you. Mail-order, specialty, and general pharmacies all offer bids on BidRX. Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/ailment_details\/?ailment=Antibiotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our antibiotics page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights Antibiotics interfere with the reproduction and function of bacteria, shortening infection times and making&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-417","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-antibiotics-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=417"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":435,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417\/revisions\/435"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=417"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=417"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=417"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}