Anti-Infectants Part 1 of 2

Bacteriostatic vs. Bactericidal Allows the body’s natural defense mechanisms to have time to destroy microorganisms by inhibiting bacterial growth. Bactericidal Kills the bacteria.

Antibacterials Usually these are bactericidal and they are not synthesized from microorganisms. Side effects: photosensitivity Example VoSol (Acetic Acid) Class Group 1 Group 2 Class 1 82 95 Class 2 76 88 Class 3 84 90

Urinary Anti-infective Concentrated in the urine and are used to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Pyridium is used along with Macrobid to treat the pain associated with a UTI. This drug will discolor the urine making it orange/brown. Brand Generic Macrobid/Macrodantin Nitrofurantoin Pyridium Phenazopyridine

Antibiotics Prevents bacteria from growing. These can be bacteriostatic or bactericidal and are grown/synthesized from microorganisms. Usually these are taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal) for proper absorption. Should be taken for the entire course of therapy.

Penicillin Antibiotics Side effects: Nausea/Vomiting, allergy Brand Generic Pen-VK Penicillin Amoxil Amoxicillin Amcill Ampicillin Dynapen Dicloxicillin

Cephalosporin Antibiotics 1st generation: Moderate spectrum and are effective in treating skin and soft tissue infections and strep throat. Side effects: Nausea/Vomiting, allergy. 2nd generation: have a greater spectrum. These are useful in the treatment of upper and lower Respiratory Tract Infections, sinusitis, and ear infections. Brand Generic Ceclor Cefaclor Cefzil Cefprozil Brand Generic Keflex Cephalexin Duricef Cefadroxil

Cephalosporin Antibiotics continued… 3rd generation: have an even broader spectrum of activity 4th generation: are extended spectrum agents. Many cross the blood brain barrier so they are effective in treating meningitis. Brand Generic Omnicef Cefdinir

Quinolone Antibiotics Note that antacids decrease the absorption and should be given 2-4 hours apart. Also, caffeine elimination is reduced. Side effects: GI upset and headache Avelox is considered a drug of last resort. Brand Generic Cipro Ciprofloxacin Floxin Ofloxacin Levaquin Levofloxacin Avelox Moxifloxacin

Macrolide Antibiotics Side effects: GI upset, diarrhea Brand Generic EryTab Erythromycin Zithromax Azithromycin Biaxin Clarithromycin

Tetracycline Antibiotics Note that these bind to Calcium products (dairy). Also, these cause photosensitivity and those taking these should use protection when exposed to sunlight. Brand Generic Achromycin Tetracycline Vibramycin Doxycycline Minocin Minocycline

Misc. Antibiotics Vancocin or Vancomycin: Used in serious or severe infections not treatable with other antimicrobials. Cleocin or Clindamycin: Used in serious Respiratory and GI infections Bactrim or Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim: Flagyl or Metronidazole: Should not be taken with alcohol.