Antibiotic treatment is a necessary measure, which is necessary to resort to in cases of emergency. Drugs in this group affect not only the disease. They adversely affect the liver, can cause a number of adverse reactions, including a violation of the intestinal microflora, leading to dysbiosis. Since the appointment of antibiotics is the prerogative of specialists, the patient's task is to seek treatment in time. An agent selected independently may not have a therapeutic effect. The doctor, based on knowledge and experience, taking into account the general clinical picture, will select the treatment and prescribe the necessary antibiotic if necessary.
Types of Antibiotics
For the effective treatment of colds, you need to know the chemical composition of antibiotics and the principles of their effect on the body. There are 4 types of antibiotics used for colds and flu: penicillin group, macrolides, cephalosporin group and fluoroquinolones. The appointment of a representative of any of these groups should be carried out by a doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of the disease.
Penicillins
Preparations of the penicillin group related to beta-lactam antibiotics were first obtained in pure form from mold in the middle of the last century. Their action is aimed at disrupting the synthesis of the cell wall, which stops the formation of peptide bonds. Penicillins are low-toxic, and allergic reactions and dysbiosis are distinguished from side effects, and nausea and vomiting may occur.
Types of Penicillin Antibiotics
There are two groups of penicillins:
- Natural group. The most common in medicine are benzylpenicillin salts, which are used to combat inflammation and infections of various nature. Biological penicillins of short and long action are divided. Since they all have a tendency to breakdown in an acidic environment, it is preferable to use them parenterally, that is, in the form of injections.
- The semi-synthetic species is less effective than the natural one, but has a wider spectrum and is divided into oxacillin, ampicillin and dicloxacillin. It differs from the first type by acid resistance and can be used orally. The antibiotic is aimed at treating:
- staph infections of the skin, bones and joints;
- brain abscess
- respiratory and ENT infections;
- in the combined treatment of peptic ulcer;
- inflammation of the genitourinary system.
Penicillins for colds
The main representatives of the penicillin group of antibiotics for colds and flu are Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Amoxiclav.
"Amoxicillin" refers to a group of semi-synthetic penicillins. The drug is released in a dosage of 250 to 750 mg in the form of tablets; capsules for oral administration; dry matter for the manufacture of an injection solution; granules in a glass vial for the preparation of syrup. Used for problems of the genitourinary system, skin and intestinal infections, with sepsis and meningitis. The effectiveness of the use of antibiotics for colds and associated inflammation of the ENT organs and respiratory tract has been proven. The drug is contraindicated for allergies, patients with dysbiosis and malignant formations of the lymphatic system, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation. Adverse reactions are usually associated with individual characteristics, including existing diseases. When applied, temporary changes in the indices of the central nervous system are often observed. Unless otherwise prescribed by the attending physician, the administration of amoxicillin is carried out 3 times a day with a dosage of 500 m, regardless of the meal. For children, an antibiotic for colds is prescribed in cases of bacterial complications of rapidly developing diseases. Use the medicine in liquid form, mixing the granular form with water immediately before taking it. The suspension is equipped with a measuring spoon with a volume of 5 ml, which contains 250 mg of the substance.
"Ampicillin" refers to the category of the cheapest antibiotics for colds. In chemical composition, it is similar to Amoxicillin and has identical release forms. The difference lies in the smaller amount of active substance reaching the infected area and involved in the treatment. The drug is effective in treating infections such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, meningitis. The dose for adults is from 2 to 4 grams per day, the children's dosage (preferably in the form of a syrup) should not exceed 2 grams. The medicine is allowed for use during pregnancy, during lactation, it is not recommended to feed the baby until the mother recovers.
"Amoxiclav" refers to the category used for colds inexpensive antibiotics of the penicillin series. Over time, bacteria have adapted to the negative effects of drugs and some of them have been able to destructively affect amoxicillin. In Amoxiclav, the active substance is supplemented with clavulanic acid, which reduces the activity of the beta-lactamase enzyme, which in combination makes the drug more effective. A tool is available in the form of a powder for the manufacture of syrup and tablets. The dose of the main active ingredient in tablets varies from 500 to 875 mg with the addition of 125 mg of acid. In 5 ml of a suspension made from powder, the amount of amoxicillin is 125 mg, and the additional substance is 31.5 mg. Amoxiclav was widely used in the fight against strains resistant to amoxicillin, including respiratory infections and colds with various complications. A feature of the drug is the possible onset of adverse reactions after treatment, sometimes with an interval of 10-12 days. Contraindications are the identified negative consequences when using the medicine earlier.
Despite the wide range of applications of penicillin group drugs, which antibiotics to take for colds can only be decided by the attending physician. The independent prescription of drugs from the penicillin series can not only become a waste of money, but also significantly undermine the patient's health.
Cephalosporins
One of the first-generation drugs of the cephalosporin type, obtained in the mid-sixties of the twentieth century in America, was the drug celafotin. The chemical basis of drugs of this series is aminocephalosporic acid. It has a stronger resistance to beta-lactamase enzymes, which reduce the activity of drugs. The group is distinguished by high bactericidal activity and increased chemotherapeutic activity, so when using it is necessary to take into account the existing contraindications.
Cephalosporins include antibiotics of the 3rd generation used more often than others for colds: Cefixime, Ceftriaxone, Suprax.
"Cefixime" is a 3-generation medicine produced in 3 types: tablets, capsules and powder. The effectiveness of the drug is high for sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis, both at the initial stage of the disease, and have passed into a chronic form. The drug has been widely used in inflammatory processes of the respiratory system. The antibiotic is dosed in tablets of 200 or 400 mg, in suspension - 100 mg per 5 ml of syrup. The dose of the drug used per day is prescribed in 400 mg of the active substance with a possible division into two doses. Course treatment is carried out within 7 days. Contraindication will be sensitivity to cephalosporins and children under 6 months of age. With caution, the drug is prescribed for children, counting the active substance in a dosage of 8 mg per kilogram of weight. The number of known adverse reactions is minimal and comes down to allergic manifestations and digestive disorders.
"Ceftriaxone" refers to drugs of the 3rd generation, favorably differs in the form of release in the form of a powder, diluted to the state of an injection solution with a dosage of 500 and 1000 mg. Treatment is carried out by injection intramuscularly or intravenously. The maximum dose of the drug is 2000 mg per day. For newborns, the daily dose is calculated from 20 to 50 mg per kilogram of weight. After the child is one year old, an antibiotic for colds can be prescribed in the amount of 80 mg / kg. From 12 years old, an adult dose is used in the treatment of children.
The use of the drug is justified in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in the field of otolaryngology, as well as diseases of the lungs, pneumonia and pyelonephritis. The use of an antibiotic is allowed for pregnant women with a competent ratio of benefits and risks.
"Suprax" also refers to 3-generation semi-synthetic antibiotics. The main active ingredient is cefixime. Unlike the drug "Cefixime", "Supraks" is allowed for use in the treatment of newborns under the strict supervision of a pediatrician. An antibiotic is available in the form of 200 and 400 mg capsules and granules for the direct preparation of a suspension before administration. The medication is prescribed for acute forms of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and otitis media and refers to effective broad-spectrum antibiotics. With a cold, an adult is prescribed from 400 mg per day with a duration of 7-10 days. Children are preferable to use a suspension at a rate of 2.5 to 10 ml, based on the age of the child. The main side effects develop from the digestive system, allergic reactions and hypovitaminosis B. may occur.
Macrolides
Erythromycin, isolated from soil bacteria in the mid-twentieth century, became the first drug in the macrolide series. The action of drugs of this group inhibits the growth of microorganism cells by disrupting protein synthesis. Macrolides are considered strong antibiotics for colds and are used in cases of protracted diseases of the respiratory system, a number of dental and venereal diseases, as well as in the fight against furunculosis and folliculitis. In addition, they have a minimum of side effects and are easily tolerated by their effects on the body. Popular antibiotics for colds from macrolides are Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Sumamed. These drugs are very effective.
"Erythromycin" belongs to the class of cheap antibiotics for colds and is used in cases of patients intolerant of penicillin group preparations. The medicine is distinguished by a variety of release forms: tablets, ointments, suppositories, suspension, powder for the manufacture of the solution. However, "Erythromycin" does not have an extended effect and is not used in the fight against most gram-negative bacteria. Appointment by the attending physician of "Erythromycin" is possible with the following diseases:
- pharyngitis and tonsillitis;
- acute bronchitis;
- pulmonary problems;
- whooping cough.
The dose for adults is from 1 to 2 grams per day, for children the calculation is carried out, taking into account the age and weight of the baby. The course of drug treatment can last up to 2 weeks and stops only after getting rid of visible signs and improving the general condition. When using intravenous injection, it is necessary to administer the drug slowly in a single volume of 200 mg for up to 5 days, then using the medicine in tablets. The medication has no contraindications and is recommended as an antibiotic for flu and colds for adults and children.
"Azithromycin" is available in the form of tablets, capsules and powder used to prepare a suspension. It is used for the protracted nature of the disease, when antiviral drugs do not help, and there is a need to treat microbes with an antibiotic for colds. 3 tablets with the active substance in the amount of 500 mg taken at intervals of 24 hours, perfectly cope with infections of the respiratory system and other otolaryngological orientation. The drug has been widely used in the treatment of genital infections, as well as inflammation of the cervix and urethra. The drug not only inhibits the growth of cells, but also leads to their early destruction. The drug belongs to inexpensive antibiotics. With a cold, you can not resort to the action of "Azithromycin" in cases of liver and kidney disease and during breastfeeding. Suspension is recommended for patients under 12 years of age. The drug requires careful use during pregnancy and with problems of a cardiovascular orientation.
Compared with Erythromycin, the antibiotic Azithromycin is much more stable in an acidic environment and has a high activity indicator. In addition, it is approved for use by patients with HIV infection.
Sumamed is an analogue of Azithromycin with the same active substance (azithromycin dihydrate), which has identical forms of release, but is produced in Croatia. The drug refers to broad-spectrum antibiotics. With a cold, it is enough for an adult to take 3 doses of 500 mg of the active substance with an interval of 24 hours. The drug is most effective in the treatment of bronchitis and sinusitis. Children are recommended a suspension in a dosage calculated in accordance with the age and weight of the child. Prescribing tablets and capsules in childhood is strictly prohibited.
Which antibiotic is best for colds for children (Azithromycin or Sumamed) is for the pediatrician to decide. Means affect bacteria in the same way, but have different excipients, which can affect the children's body in different ways. When choosing an antibiotic, parents also need to carefully study the instructions so as not to encounter adverse reactions associated with the immunity of individual components of the drug.
Fluoroquinolones
Antibiotics of the type fluoroquinolones are used against colds with intolerance or in the absence of positive dynamics from taking other drugs. Means have proven themselves as the strongest antimicrobial agents. Fluoroquinolones are formally assigned to antibiotics, since they are similar to them in principle of action, but are fundamentally different in chemical composition and have no analogues in nature. Distinguished quinolones non-fluorinated, gram-negative and respiratory. The name of the latter duplicates the effectiveness of the use in the treatment of the respiratory tract. For use in adults, antibiotics for colds and flu in the fluoroquinolone class include: Nevigramon, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin.
Nevigramon is one of the most expensive antibiotics. The complex of two acids - nalidixic and stearic - as the main active substance, is presented in the form of capsules. Acids inhibit the development and growth of microbes, and the bioavailability of the drug, approaching 95%, gives a high treatment efficiency. The medicine is prescribed for colds with urinary tract complications and in the postoperative period. In childhood, as well as during pregnancy and lactation, the drug is not prescribed. The daily intake is 4 grams of active substance and is equal to 8 capsules.
“Ciprofloxacin” - a drug with a wide spectrum of action, produced in the form of a tablet, solution and concentrate for injection, drops for ears. The active substance is effective in the treatment of bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, infections of the respiratory system, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the kidneys, organs of the genitourinary system, diseases of the stomach and intestines, infections of soft tissues and diseases manifested against the background of immunodeficiency or colds. What antibiotics to drink in a specific of these cases, you need to decide in conjunction with a doctor. Despite the wide scope, the drug is not suitable for everyone. The medicine can not be used in childhood, during pregnancy, together with tizanidine, with lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency. Possible adverse reactions in the form of nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, problems of a cardiovascular nature, as well as the manifestation of candidiasis.
Antibiotic list for children
Since the results of the examination, in particular sputum analysis, require a certain amount of time, and help often needs to be provided immediately, the baby is prescribed extensive-acting drugs. This absolutely does not mean that any antibiotic in this series is suitable for treating a child. What antibiotics are possible for children with colds, the pediatrician knows. The most commonly assigned ones are:
- penicillins: Flemoxin Solutab, Amoxiclav;
- cephalosporin species: "Suprax";
- Macrolide groups: Sumamed, Azithromycin;
- fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin.
Using antibiotics for colds as prescribed by a doctor is a prerequisite for recovery, since the baby’s respiratory system is not well developed, and the risk of complications is quite high.
The use of antibiotics in childhood
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The use of the antibiotic is justified in cases of avoiding possible complications, with a weakened health of the child or with a threat to the life of the baby.
Recommendations and reviews on the use of antibiotics
Both positive and negative reviews when using antibacterial agents will not give a complete picture of a specific patient. What suits one does not always fit the other, with seemingly the same symptoms. Knowing the individual characteristics of your body can help in choosing a drug, if the doctor suggested choosing several options, for example, from a different price category.
In order to accelerate recovery, it is not recommended to purchase a wide range of drugs and drugs, the package of which includes only 3 tablets. Perhaps this treatment will not work. Contacting a specialist is the patient’s first and most important task. The doctor will conduct an examination and decide which antibiotics to take with a cold. If the picture is unclear, a comprehensive examination will be prescribed, including tests and the necessary medical procedures.