Types of Antibiotics: Uses and Side Effects

Antibiotics are a category of drugs prescribed to cure sicknesses caused by bacteria and some other microorganisms. Other possibilities of antibiotics’ usage include those for peroral admitting, which can be in the liquid form, tablets, or capsules. Skin infections can be cured by using antibiotic topical creams, topical ointments or topical lotions that are usually applied on the affected site on the skin. Usually, patients who need an antibiotic shot are admitted to the hospital because they have a severe infection.

Types of Antibiotics:

Typically, antibiotics are categorized according to how they function. Each type of antibiotic is only effective against particular parasites or bacteria. For this reason, various antibiotics are used to treat various infections. The most common varieties of antibiotics are:

• Tetracycline and doxycycline
• Penicillin and amoxicillin
• Cephalexin
• Azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin
• Ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin
• Gentamycin and tobramycin

Uses:

Antibiotics can be used to treat variety of bacterial infections but they are not effective against viral infections. They are also used to treat acne. Additionally, antibiotics aid in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and impetigo. Antibiotics also helps to speed up the recovery process who suffers from kidney diseases. They also helps in the treatment of serious complications such as pneumonia.

Side Effects:

• Vomiting
• Stomach Upset
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of lips, face and tongue
• Vaginal Itching

Some antibiotics may interfere with some other drugs that you may be taking at the same time. This may cause side effects, or may reduce how well a treatment will work in the body. That is why if a patient is under a prescription of other drugs, he or she should inform the doctor before the prescription of an antibiotic.

You should see a doctor which will give you a right antibiotics if you are allergic to the medicine. Some antibiotics are contra-indicated during pregnancy, but your health professional should be able to tell you what antibiotic is suitable if indeed an antibiotic is needed.