List of Common Antibiotic Medicines, Their Types and How to Consume?

Antibiotics are like marvels of medical sciences which have transformed the healthcare sector by limiting some of the deadly infections. From the earliest discovery of penicillin by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928 to the advanced cutting-edge medications of today, Antibiotics have covered a long journey with their life-saving capabilities. In this post, let’s unleash the power of modern medicine to combat infections.

What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medications that fight against bacterial infections in the body. They play a significant role in medicine.

Some of the functions performed by antibiotic drugs include;

• Slowing down the cell reproduction process
• Obliterating bacterial cells
• Altering within the cell an important cellular function

Antibiotics perform their function in two terms. They are:

1. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC):

This is the lowest antibiotic concentration that can stop bacterial growth at 24 hours.

2. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC):

This concentration of antibiotic can lower the density of bacteria by 1000 folds in 24 hours.

When it comes to children, antibiotics may not be used to treat sore throat, ear infections, and chest infections.

Types of Antibiotics

Below is a list of antibiotics, including some common ones used frequently for treatment:

1. Penicillins:

There are several infections that are cured with Penicillin antibiotics. This is a beta-lactam antibiotic used mainly against several bacterial species, such as gram-positive rods, gram-negative cocci and more.

However, some gram-negative bacteria in which this penicillin doesn’t work as the bacteria have become resistant to this particular penicillin. In such cases, more advanced versions of later generation penicillin with broad-spectrum works against the gram-negative bacteria.

2. Quinolones:

This is a group of bactericidal antibiotics that is useful in killing bacterial cells. The drug is administered primarily via oral and intravenous routes to allow them to rapidly absorb in the body. But, this rapid distribution across the body sometimes makes getting into the cerebrospinal fluid difficult.

3. Lincomycins:

This is another antibiotic used to cure many serious bacterial infections. They are generally prescribed if regular penicillin does not work for a particular infection. They may either be effective alone or can work in combination with other antibiotics. Lincomycins are a member of the Lincosamide family of drugs and are derived from Streptomyces lincolnensis through the natural fermentation process.

4. Macrolides:

This antibiotic has antifungal properties, which is helpful in antimicrobial therapy. Azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin are some types of macrolides which are common antibiotics used in the treatment of pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis etc.

In addition to the above, several other types of antibiotics are available, such as Tetracyclines, Cephalosporins, Sulfonamides and Glycopeptides, etc., that are used against several life-threatening infections.

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List of common Antibiotics

Antibiotics are crucial for treating certain infections, such as throat pain, urinary tract infections and ear infections. Most people consume antibiotics more than a single time in their life to cure infections. If you want to learn about some antibiotics drug names and their uses, read on.

1. Penicillin V:

This is an enhanced version of the original penicillin antibiotic and is commonly used to cure ear and throat infections as well as scarlet fever. Available in the form of liquid and tablet, the penicillin V drug is taken orally.

2. Phenoxymethylpenicillin:

This antibiotic is a type of penicillin that is used to cure bacterial infections in the skin, ear or chest. Patients suffering from sickle cell disease are prescribed this antibiotic. It is not a medicine that is available easily over the counter. This drug is only available if you show a doctor’s prescription in liquid or tablet form.

3. Dicloxacillin:

This is another antibiotic prescribed to cure bacterial infections. This second-generation penicillin antibiotic comes in tablet form and is consumed orally. They work on the bacterial enzymes that synthesize the bacterial wall.

4. Ampicillin:

These are used for the treatment of bacterial infections. They are orally administered drugs.

5. Oxacillin:

This is a penicillin antibiotic that cures bacterial infections such as staphylococcus infections. These are mainly used to cure diseases like pneumonia, joint pain and skin infections.

How to Consume Antibiotics?

Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics as a treatment for bacterial infections. It is important to note that you shouldn’t take antibiotics on your own without a doctor’s recommendation. Once you start consuming antibiotics, the course should be completed despite feeling better within a few doses of consuming the drug. A single antibiotic cannot handle different infections. Rather, there are special antibiotics meant for different infections that are recommended by doctors. Also, note that antibiotics don’t work against viral infections.

When to use antibiotics?

Antibiotics should be used in case of bacterial infections such as throat infection, whooping cough,

and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections and can be used against bacterial infections only.

When to Avoid the Use of Antibiotics?

Generally, in case of viral infections, antibiotics do not work, and if antibiotics are used for such infections, these medicines may not work on some bacteria. Once bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, they stop responding to these drugs and might cause side effects. Hence, it is better to take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is important to consult a doctor if your ailment is not cured and you do not restore to health even after completing the course of the prescribed medication. However, just remember not to force your

physician to recommend antibiotics if unnecessary. With the onset of monsoon, Flu infections become very common, and people are likely to contract highly infectious flu. If you come under such infections, seeing the doctor and seeking guidance is necessary.

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To Sum Up

As you already know, antibiotics are generally used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Thus, they should be taken only when prescribed by your doctor and not on your own. At times, these bacterial species become resistant to antibiotics. While some of them might have adverse side effects indicating an abuse of antibiotics.
Antibiotics effectively control the growth of highly infectious bacteria, and thus, they should be used wisely.

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