Antibiotics
A wonderful group of drugs discovered and frequently used in the
past 50 to 60 years. First ones were the Sulfa drugs, then Penicillin.
Antibiotics have basically only one use or action; they destroy (or
kill) bacteria. Remember, antibiotics kill both good and bad forms of bacteria. Our
bodies have many "normal flora" (good bacteria) on or in it. These are often
destroyed by antibiotics in our efforts to eradicate the "bad" bacteria (e.g.
those causing ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, or kidney infection, etc.). Remember
antibiotics do not help heal viruses, colds, or fever.
There are 5 main classes of antibiotics which can be given by mouth
(P.O.).
Penicillin: (The oldest and most used)
- Penicillin V (The best for strept throat)
- Amoxicillin (Used most commonly for ear infections)
- Augmentin
Sulfa: (Sulfonamides)
- Triple sulfa / Sulfisoxazole
- Bactrim / Septra (Sulfa and Trimethoprim combined)
- Pediazole (Sulfa and Erythromycin)
Cephalosporins: (A new class: expensive and overused)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Ceclor - once very popular, now it is not
- Suprax & Cedax - once a day
- Cefzil / Vantin / Ceftin / etc. (Generally twice a day)
Macrolides:
- Erythromycin
- Biaxin (A good new drug - but has a foul taste)
- Zithromax - an excellent newer drug
Misc. Groups
- Quinolones: Not used in kids: often over used in adults. Covers a broad spectrum,
kills a variety of bacteria) e.g. Floxacin
- Tetracycline, Doxycycline: not for children under 9 yrs old (as can stain teeth).
Used for acne.
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