Recently, an increasing number of people are taking antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in adults with the appearance of the first signs of a cold. However, not many people know that you can’t do this, as this can lead to complications.
Indiscriminate use of antibacterial agents can greatly harm the body. It is important to know exactly in which cases antibiotics are important for the body, and when you can refuse them.
The main symptoms of a cold
Colds have a number of common symptoms, in particular, such as:
- dry cough with a possible transition to a productive form;
- headache;
- temperature rise;
- sore throat and sternum;
- runny nose;
- chills and fever;
- severe weakness.
At different stages of the disease, all these symptoms can occur simultaneously. At the same time, with complications, they can be combined and, depending on the cause of the disease, can vary in degree of intensity. That is why antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in adults are not used immediately after the discovery of the first symptomatology. Initially, you need to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination. Based on the diagnosis, drugs are prescribed.
When to take antibiotics
The antibiotic for acute respiratory infections in adults must be selected very responsibly, you should not take such drugs when the first signs of a cold appear. Antibacterial drugs are designed to fight diseases that are bacterial in nature, and not viral. At the initial stage of the course of acute respiratory infections, mainly doctors prescribe antiviral drugs.
Antibiotics for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections in adults can be taken only as a necessity, namely:
- the temperature rises to 38 degrees or more;
- protective functions are reduced;
- lymph nodes are inflamed;
- increased white blood cell count;
- purulent inflammation, such as otitis media, tonsillitis, lymphadenitis;
- elderly age;
- there are symptoms of intoxication of the body;
- symptomatic therapy is ineffective, and the patient's well-being worsens.
If a patient with flu or a cold has at least one of the symptoms, then you need to contact a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor prescribes drugs based on the results of the examination.
The main types of drugs
Before you start drinking antibiotics for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections in adults, you need to consult a doctor. Each of the drugs can cope with certain bacteria. Often used antibacterial agents of a wide spectrum of action. Answering the question of what antibiotics to drink with acute respiratory infections, it must be said that such as:
- penicillins;
- cephalosporins;
- fluoroquinolones;
- macrolides;
- tetracyclines;
- aminoglycosides.
The action of penicillins is aimed at the destruction of the walls and cells of pathogenic bacteria. They are prescribed if the cold was provoked by staphylococcus, pneumococcus, streptococcus. Preparations of this group are characterized by low toxicity, so they can be used even for the treatment of children. However, therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. It is worth noting that these funds have certain contraindications that must be taken into account.
The action of cephalosporins is aimed at the effective destruction of the cell membrane of pathogenic bacteria. They are prescribed only if the patient has characteristic signs of complications, as well as other groups of antibacterial drugs did not give the desired result. Often, such drugs are used in the form of injections.
Fluoroquinolones are distinguished by the fact that the active components penetrate the bacteria and destroy them. They are prescribed if there is a suspicion of complications of a cold. Fluoroquinolones are quite safe, do not cause allergies and addiction. However, there are still certain contraindications that must be considered.
Dosage Forms
Some antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in adults are used as intramuscular and intravenous injections. Injections are considered more effective than tablets, since the drug goes directly into the blood.
However, it is worth noting that injections, for all their effectiveness, have higher toxicity rates. But in the case of a severe course of the disease, the resulting side effects are much less threatening. Such drugs include Augmentin, Laferon, Ampicillin, Amoxiclav. They are prescribed only with pronounced signs of a cold complication, in particular, such as a weakening of the body, fever up to 39-40 degrees, shortness of breath, constant runny nose, delirium, severe pain in the throat, chest and head.
Often, an antibiotic for ARI and SARS is prescribed in the form of tablets. They act more slowly than injections, and their main side effect is irritation of the intestines and stomach, as well as the destruction of beneficial bacteria. For bacterial colds, drugs such as Flemoxin Solutab, Suprax, Sumamed, and Azitrox are prescribed.
Penicillins
Many are interested in what antibiotics are prescribed for acute respiratory infections and how they act on the body. Penicillin antibacterial drugs are active against most bacteria that cause respiratory and nasopharyngeal diseases. Preparations of this group are distinguished by a high level of safety and effectiveness.
The only drawback of penicillins is their vulnerability to the enzymes that some bacteria secrete. They destroy the components of antibiotics and they completely lose their activity.
The most modern and popular penicillin is the drug "Amoxicillin." It is prescribed for complicated colds, provoked by strains of bacteria that do not produce beta-lactamases.
Choosing an antibiotic for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, you need to pay attention to the drug "Flemoxin Solutab." Its administration is carried out 2-3 times a day. When using the tablets, dissolve in water or dissolve. The taste of the drug is very pleasant, which facilitates the treatment process. The exact dosage is selected by the doctor. This takes into account:
- weight and age of the patient;
- body features;
- course of the disease.
The maximum dosage of the drug is 1500 mg per day. The course of therapy is determined only by the doctor.
Amoxiclav is a semi-synthetic penicillin that can be used to treat colds. It is produced in a variety of forms, namely:
- in the form of a dry powder intended for the preparation of a suspension;
- in the form of a powder from which drops are made;
- in tablets;
- in the form of a dry substance for the preparation of an injection.
Be sure to correctly determine the dosage of the drug. For this, it is recommended to use measuring spoons. Adults are prescribed approximately 750 mg per day, but it all depends on the weight of the patient. The duration of the therapeutic course is approximately 5 days. Prescribe this antibiotic against acute respiratory infections, with infections of the ENT organs, infectious lesions of the respiratory system.
The drug "Augmentin" is a good penicillin antibiotic. It is released in the form of tablets, as well as dry matter for the preparation of injections or suspensions. Adults are usually prescribed tablets 3 times a day. However, the exact dosage is selected by the doctor.
Unprotected antibiotics include Ampicillin. This drug is significantly inferior in bioavailability and other indicators to protected agents. Often it is prescribed in the form of injections and only occasionally in tablet form.
Macrolides
What antibiotics to take for acute respiratory infections in adults, only the attending doctor decides after the diagnosis. Highly active drugs are macrolides. They are prescribed for damage to the respiratory system and are effective against many pathogens. They help eliminate bacterial infections of ENT organs, cope with pneumonia.
These antibiotics have a minimum of side effects, are well tolerated and can be used even during pregnancy. Among the most common macrolides, it is necessary to distinguish such as Sumamed, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Macropen.
The drug "Azithromycin" is quite effective in SARS, which is provoked by chlamydia or mycoplasma. In addition, the drug can be used to treat streptococcal infection. This drug has such advantages as:
- ease of use;
- low toxicity;
- there are practically no side effects.
"Azithromycin" is used to treat tonsillitis, as well as in the presence of allergies to other types of antibiotics.
The drug "Sumamed" refers to macrolides with a wide spectrum of action. It is active against atypical pathogens. Bacteria do not exhibit resistance to this agent. The duration of the course of antibiotic therapy against ARI for adults is only 3 days. It is enough to take only 1 tablet. With proper treatment, there are no side effects.
Cephalosporins
Treatment of acute respiratory infections with antibiotics, which belong to the group of cephalosporins, gives a very good result. They are effective and safe. However, they have certain subtleties of use. It is worth noting that cephalosporins, just like some penicillins, tend to break down under the influence of beta-lactamase, but this happens much less often.
Cephalosporin antibiotics for acute respiratory infections and influenza are prescribed mainly in the form of an injection, but their administration is rather painful. They are used only in case of failure or intolerance of macrolides and penicillins.
The most famous cephalosporin is the drug "Ceftriaxone". It works very well against bacteria that cause a cold complication. The main indications for its use are such as:
- flu complication or pneumonia;
- purulent tonsillitis;
- lung abscess;
- genitourinary bacterial diseases;
- meningitis.
This antibiotic very successfully copes with anaerobic bacteria. It is absorbed very quickly by the body and has a positive result. However, this tool has certain contraindications, which include:
- hepatitis, liver failure;
- cardiovascular disease;
- kidney pathology;
- individual intolerance.
Basically, the drug is prescribed in tablet form. Injections are given in especially severe cases and administered in a hospital setting.
Quite often, acute respiratory infections are treated with the cefuroxime axetil antibiotic. It is prescribed for the treatment of severe infections, especially those that affect the respiratory system. The drug is available in the form of dry powders for injection, as well as tablets. Adults are prescribed 250-500 ml of active substance per day. The dosage is divided into 2 doses. The break should be at least 5 hours. The treatment course is 10 days, but it can be extended or reduced at the discretion of the doctor.
The drug "Cefotaxime" is characterized by good tolerance, a minimum of side effects, as well as a wide spectrum of action. Specialists often prescribe it for complications of the common cold. Powdered medicine is available. Since the drug can provoke systemic reactions, the administration of a doctor is required when taking it.
“Cepepim” refers to fourth generation cephalosporins. This is a broad-spectrum drug that affects many bacteria. It is often prescribed when the cause of the disease is not precisely established. The drug is available only in the form of an injection.
“Suprax” refers to third generation cephalosporins. It is used to treat respiratory infections.
Fluoroquinolines
Many are interested in what antibiotics are taken for acute respiratory infections and what effect they have. The drug from the group of fluoroquinolones Levofloxacin has proven itself well. Available in the form of tablets and a solution for intravenous injection. It is prescribed primarily for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, in particular, such as pneumonia.
Ofloxacin is available as a solution for injection and tablets. It is active against many strains of bacteria that have already developed resistance to other antibacterial agents. The dosage is selected only by the attending doctor, and it is unacceptable to exceed it because of the danger of side effects.
Other types of antibiotics
Sometimes doctors prescribe other types of antibiotics. These include the drug "Tetracycline" from the group of tetracyclines. He successfully fights bacteria in the respiratory and urinary tract. In a day it is enough to take 1 tablet of 250 mg 2-3 times a day. The interval between doses should be at least 5 hours. The therapeutic course is generally a week, although it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease.
The drug "Clonacom-X" is a combined antibiotic. The course of therapy is 10 days. Use this remedy with caution during pregnancy. The drug Ampiside is effective in the treatment of respiratory organs, diseases of the genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and ENT organs. This remedy is contraindicated during pregnancy.
The drug "Fromilid" is presented in the form of tablets and granules for the preparation of a suspension. Contraindications are kidney disease.
Features of the use of antibiotics
To effectively eliminate the symptoms of acute respiratory infections, antibiotic treatment in adults generally lasts 5-7 days. At the same time, a noticeable improvement in the patient's well-being is observed already on the 3rd day. In especially severe cases, it may be necessary to extend the course of therapy up to 10 days, but only after agreement with the treating doctor.
It is strictly forbidden to stop using the product immediately when you feel better. ARI after antibiotics may return again and the bacteria will already be immune to them. The doctor selects the period of treatment, since only a specialist can determine how long it will take to destroy the pathogens. It is strictly forbidden to skip taking the drug.
It is worth remembering that antibacterial agents kill not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria. That is why it is very important to take care of their recovery so as not to disrupt the normal intestinal microflora. In this case, the doctor prescribes probiotics that prevent the development of dysbiosis.
Pregnancy treatment
Quite often the question arises as to what antibiotics can be taken during pregnancy with acute respiratory infections. Antibacterial agents during the period of bearing a baby are prescribed only in the most extreme case, selecting only the safest means. Before prescribing the drug, you need to determine the causative agent of the disease, as well as its sensitivity to a specific group of drugs.
A pregnant woman may be prescribed penicillins, in particular, such as Ampicillin and Oxacillin. In some cases, cephalosporins, such as Azithromycin, may be prescribed. The dosage is basically standard, it all depends on the gestational age and the particular course of the disease. Sometimes an individual course of therapy may be prescribed.
During treatment, it is very important to follow all the doctor's recommendations. Studies have shown that antibiotics do not affect the development of the fetus. However, some groups of drugs have a toxic effect and can lead to impaired renal function, the formation of a hearing aid and dental bookmarks.
It is highly undesirable to take antibiotics in the first trimester of pregnancy. If such a need arises, then constant medical supervision is required.
Precautions
In order for the treatment to be effective, and the use of antibiotics does not harm the body, you must adhere to certain rules, namely:
- use antibiotics strictly according to indications;
- do not change the dosage yourself;
- do not quit taking medication after normalization of health;
- provide plenty of drink during therapy.
It is worth noting that antibacterial agents are quite strong and can have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys. When they are taken, an allergy can develop, which provokes an imbalance in the microflora in the intestine, which leads to dysbiosis, decreased immunity and other problems.
Taking antibiotics without prescribing a doctor is very harmful. This can lead to the development of addiction of bacteria to active substances, after which the drug ceases to act without providing the required therapeutic effect.
When prescribing antibiotics for colds, it is very necessary to strictly follow the recommendations and appointments of the treating doctor. It is forbidden to interrupt treatment at will. Only in this case, antibiotic therapy will be most effective.
Contraindications
Even if you choose the best antibiotic for acute respiratory infections, it is worth considering that in any case, these funds have certain contraindications.You need to take them very carefully, since chemicals still enter the body. Certain types of antibacterial agents are contraindicated for use with:
- pregnancy
- renal and liver failure;
- asthma
- allergies.
Antibiotics are very poorly combined with alcohol and drugs. At the time of therapy, you need to abandon them. Some other drugs are also incompatible with antibiotics.
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