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What are the Different Types of Antibiotic Treatment?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Antibiotics come in various forms to cover a large degree of preventative measures. Antibiotic treatment might include creams and ointments, as well as broad-spectrum antibiotics, known for defending against a wide array of bacteria. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics typically work against a group-specific area of bacteria. The type of antibiotics prescribed typically would depend on the patient's individual needs and circumstances.

The purpose of antibiotic treatment is to prevent infection from invading bacteria or destroy any infection already present within the body. Some groups of antibiotics, those of which come in pill or tablet form, are related to a specific classification. One example is an antibiotic containing the suffix of 'mycin.' Erythromycin is one such drug. Others in the same group include the antibiotics clindamycin and vancomycin.

Cephalexin can be used in place of penicillin to treat strep throat.
Cephalexin can be used in place of penicillin to treat strep throat.

Types of antibiotics that are generally prescribed for streptococcus infections are drugs such as penicillin. Allergic reactions can occur in patients with no prior history of incidence. In that case, the antibiotic treatment might include a course of cephalexin or amoxicillin in place of penicillin. The prescription given to the patient is typically a 10-day course of treatment, although this can vary somewhat.

Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bacterial infections.
Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bacterial infections.

There are antibiotics classified as macrolide-type drugs, which are commonly prescribed for a wide range of illnesses affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract. Penicillin allergy patients might find they tolerate these drugs well, but there have been reported cases of intestinal tract distress associated with the usage of these antibiotics. Side effects of these antibiotics might include indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea. Normally, the effects subside within a couple of days, but if symptoms persist, the doctor might change the prescription to one that is more tolerated by the patient.

Antibiotic creams help prevent infections in cuts and scrapes.
Antibiotic creams help prevent infections in cuts and scrapes.

There are issues surrounding antibiotic treatment, in particular with long-term usage. A major concern is the body developing an immunity or antibiotic resistance. In such a case, future use would become ineffective against strains of bacteria the drug was initially targeted for. Another concern is the actual eradication of bacteria the drug is aimed at. When an antibiotic destroys harmful and infectious bacteria, the drug also kills off the beneficial bacteria in the body.

With antibiotic treatment physicians may recommend probiotic supplements to replenish beneficial bacteria.
With antibiotic treatment physicians may recommend probiotic supplements to replenish beneficial bacteria.

The 'good' bacteria that is found in the body generally keep potentially harmful organisms from multiplying. Overuse of antibiotics might result in such conditions as a vaginal yeast infection in some women, as the beneficial bacteria that is needed to maintain optimal health has diminished. Occasionally, physicians recommend the usage of a probiotic supplement along with antibiotic treatment to ensure beneficial bacteria is replenished.

Discussion Comments

andee

Every one of my kids has had ear infection antibiotic treatment. They have also all had to take antibiotics for strep throat. As soon as they start complaining of symptoms I get them in to see the doctor. I don't think it is worth taking a chance thinking the infection will just clear up on its own.

SarahSon

@myharley-- I agree that antibiotics can sure make a difference in how you feel. I take them periodically for urinary tract infections and start to feel better in just a matter of one day.

One of the worst things about that is how easy it is to stop taking them once I start to feel better. I have learned more than once how important it is to take them for the entire time. A couple times I have tried to cut this time short, and I was always sorry because the infection always came back.

myharley

I take a probiotic supplement on a daily basis, but if I am on a round of antibiobitcs, I always double up on the probiotic.

While the medication does a good job of getting rid of the infection, it also kills some of the good bacteria that your body needs. I try to take enough probiotics to offset some of those bad effects.

I don't like to take medications, but can't imagine what it would have been like before they had antibiotics available. Sometimes I think we rely on them too quickly, but they sure help make you feel better in a hurry.

bagley79

I have taken more than one kind of acne antibiotic treatment. Usually I have some kind of antibiotic topical cream along with an oral one. The one that I have had the best results with is tetracycline.

I have tried several over-the counter creams and lotions to clear up my acne, but nothing works nearly as well as taking an antibiotic. I am very fortunate that I have never noticed any side effects from taking them. I have never gotten a yeast infection or developed a resistance to them that I am aware of.

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    • Cephalexin can be used in place of penicillin to treat strep throat.
      By: anyaivanova
      Cephalexin can be used in place of penicillin to treat strep throat.
    • Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bacterial infections.
      By: brankatekic
      Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bacterial infections.
    • Antibiotic creams help prevent infections in cuts and scrapes.
      By: lzf
      Antibiotic creams help prevent infections in cuts and scrapes.
    • With antibiotic treatment physicians may recommend probiotic supplements to replenish beneficial bacteria.
      By: svetavo
      With antibiotic treatment physicians may recommend probiotic supplements to replenish beneficial bacteria.
    • Narrow spectrum antibiotics typically work to combat a specific group of bacteria.
      By: Alliance
      Narrow spectrum antibiotics typically work to combat a specific group of bacteria.