Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They don't work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds, the flu, and most coughs and sore throats.
What is "antibiotic resistance"?
When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to the same antibiotic, some germs can just change by themselves. Some of the changes make the germs invulnerable to antibiotic, or "resistant" .
Resistant bacteria develop rapidly when antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly. Resistant bacteria sometimes can be treated with antibiotics to which the bacteria have not been exposed and have not yet become resistant.
Antibiotics for Tonsilitis (Sore Throat)
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of tonsils, which results in a sore throat. The inflammation usually extends to the adenoid and the pharynx. Tonsillitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Most cases of tonsillitis go away without antibiotic medication.
Tonsillitis caused by Group A streptococcus results in a strep throat. Strep throat (bacterial sore throat) is treated with antibiotics5:
- Penicillin VK (Beepen-VK) is still the drug of choice for strep throat in the United States.
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox) sometimes it is more acceptable to children because of taste.
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is often used to treat recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis.
Cephalosporins should be considered first-line treatment if the person has a history of recent antibiotic usage, recurrent pharyngitis infection, a penicillin allergy, or if a high failure rate of penicillin is documented in the community:
- Cefadroxil (Duricef), cefixime (Suprax), and cefdinir (Omnicef) are FDA approved as once-daily treatment fo strep throat.
- Ceftriaxone (Rocephin), third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum gram-negative activity, indicated for cases of gonococcal pharyngitis.
Other antibiotics:
- Erythromycin is recommended as a first alternative in persons with penicillin allergy.
- Azithromycin (Zithromax), this antibiotic has a higher cost but has a slightly higher effectiveness than erythromycin. Shorter course and one-a-day dosing make this a good alternative for patients who are allergic to penicillin.
- Clindamycin (Cleocin) is recommended for treatment of people with multiple, recurrent episodes of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis confirmed by rapid antigen testing or culture.
Antibiotics for Sinus infection
Sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages are infected or inflamed. Most sinus infections are caused by a virus. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the sinus infection is likely to be caused by bacteria.
It is better to wait and take antibiotics only when they are needed. Many cases of acute sinusitis will end on their own.
Preferred antibiotics for bacterial sinus infection4:
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is considered a first-line therapy for adults and children.
- Alternative antibiotics include trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), doxycycline (Vibramycin), amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) , cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefdinir (Omnicef).
- Azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin) may be prescribed for people who have beta-lactam allergy.
- For complicated sinusitis your doctor may prescribe ceftriaxone (Rocephin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), or moxifloxacin (Avelox).
Antibiotics for Ear infection
Ear infections (otitis media) are one of the most common children's illnesses, affecting almost all children at some point.
The type of ear infection that is usually painful and may require antibiotic treatment is Acute otitis media.
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a build up of fluid in the middle ear without signs and symptoms of acute infection (pain, pus, and fever). Otitis media with effusion is more common than Acute otitis media. This condition in most cases goes away on its own without antibiotics.
Antibiotics indicated for the treatment of Acute otitis media2-3
First-line choice
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Biomox, Trimox) is considered the first-line antimicrobial agent for treating acute ear infection.
Second-line choices
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)
- Cephalosporins: Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin), Cefdinir (Omnicef), IM Ceftriaxone (Rocephin).
- Macrolides: Azithromycin (Zithromax), Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Other antibiotics:
- Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole)
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Cefaclor (Ceclor)
- Cefprozil (Cefzil)
- Loracarbef (Lorabid)
- Cefixime (Suprax)
- Ceftibuten (Cedax)
Important note:
Some ear infections will safely clear up on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics can help children get better more quickly, but there are drawbacks. Repeated use of antibiotics to treat acute ear infections in children increases the risk of future recurrent ear infections by 20%, according to the Dutch researchers1.
References
- 1. Bezakova N, Damoiseaux RAMJ, Hoes AW, et al. Recurrence up to 3.5 years after antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in very young Dutch children: survey of trial participants. BMJ. 2009; 339: b2525.
- 2. Pichichero ME. Acute otitis media: part II. Treatment in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2000 Apr 15;61(8):2410-6.
- 3. American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Management of Acute Otitis Media. Diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 2004;113:1451–65.
- 4. Wong DM, Blumberg DA, Lowe LG. Guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute upper respiratory tract infections. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2006 Sep 15;74(6):956-66.
- 5. Bisno AL, Gerber MA, Gwaltney JM Jr, Kaplan EL, Schwartz RH Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Infectious Diseases Society of America. (PDF) Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Jul 15;35(2):113-25
Written for HealthyStock.net, September 2009.
