There are over 100 antibiotics prescribed in modern medicine. The majority of these antibiotics are derived from seven main classes that are widely used today. They include penicillins, cephalosporins and macroclides. Fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides are also types of antibiotics.
Amoxicillin and penicillin fall into the penicillin class of antibiotics. These types of antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and pneumonia. Sometimes amoxicillin is prescribed along with clarithromycin (Biaxin) to treat stomach ulcers. Some minor side effects include nausea and vomiting, thrush and swollen or black tongue. Penicillins can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, so patients should let their doctors know if they are using birth control.
Macrolides such as erythromycin (E-Mycin), Biaxin and azithromycin (Zithromax) are used to treat skin and respiratory infections, stomach ulcers and sexually transmitted diseases. Side effects associated with these types of antibiotics include nausea and vomiting, mild stomach pain and vaginal itching or discharge. Persons with liver or kidney should consult their doctor before taking these antibiotics.
Cephalosporins such as Cephalexin (Keflex) are types of antibiotics used to treat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. Minor side effects include nausea, dizziness and joint pain. Persons with liver or kidney disease, diabetes or a stomach/intestinal disorder should seek medical advice before taking cephalexin.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin) and ofloxacin (Floxin) are fluoroquinolones. Levaquin is a popular type of antibiotic used to treat bronchitis or persons exposed to anthrax. Floxin is used to treat chlamydia, pneumonia and urinary tract infections, while Cipro is used to treat various bacterial infections. Minor side effects that could occur with the use of these types of antibiotics are nausea/vomiting, headache, blurred vision and dizziness.
Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim) and trimethoprim (Proloprim) are sulfonamides. Bactrim is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections and traveler's diarrhea. Proloprim is used to treat bladder infections. Minor side effects when taken include nausea/vomiting, insomnia and ringing in the ears.
Tetracycline (Sumycin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin) are tetracyclines. Sumycin is used to treat acne, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Minor side effects associated with its use are rectal or genital swelling or soreness, difficulty swallowing or mild upset stomach.
Gentamicin (Garamycin) and Tobramycin (Tobrex) are aminoglycosides used to treat various bacterial infections. Tobrex is commonly used to treat lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Minor side effects associated with the use of Garamycin include increased thirst and loss of appetite. Users of Tobrex may notice a change in their voice or an unpleasant odor or taste of the medication.
Persons with allergies or pre-existing medical conditions for which they are taking another medication should inform their doctor so that the antibiotic dosage can be adjusted accordingly. Antibiotics should be taken for the duration instructed by the doctor. Antibiotics should never be shared, because what works well for one person may cause an adverse reaction in another. Taken correctly, antibiotics can be very effective.
