Archive for the ‘Antibiotics’ Category
Aclacin (Medac) ACLARUBICIN.
aclarublcin A *cytotoxic antibiotic that is similar to *doxorubicin. It is
given intravenously for the treatment of leukaemias that are
resistant to standard therapy. Aclarubicin is available as an injection on
prescription only.
Precautions: aclarubicin should not be given to pregnant women and
should be used with caution in people with impaired liver or kidney
function.
Proprietary preparation: Axlacin.
acne (acne vulgaris) A common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands. These grease-producing glands in the skin are under *androgen control, but the cause of acne is unknown. It involves the face, back, and chest and is characterized by the presence of blackheads with papules, pustules, and – in more severe cases – cysts and scars. Mild to moderate acne usually responds to topical therapy with *benzoyl peroxide, *azelaic acid, antibiotics (such as Mindamycin or *erythromycin), or retinoids; other topical treatments include *nicotinamide. More refractory conditions require treatment with long-term oral antibiotics (such as *oxytetracycline or *tetracycline hydrochloride) or (for treating women only) *Dianette (cyproterone and ethinyloestradiol
An antibiotic used for the treatment of urinary-tract infections and to prevent infection during surgery of the genitourinary tract. It is especially useful for treating kidney infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. It is available, on prescription only, as tablets, capsules, modified-release capsules, or a suspension.
Side effects: include gastrointestinal upset, breathing difficulties, rash,
and itching. Rare side effects are jaundice, inflammation of the liver, and
blood disorders. The drug should be withdrawn if signs of breathing
problems, jaundice, or liver problems occur.
Precautions: nitrofurantoin should not be taken by people with impaired
kidney function or by women at the end of pregnancy or who are breastfeeding.
Interactions with other drugs:
Magnesium trisilicate: reduces absorption of nitrofurantoin.
Probenecid: increases the potential toxicity of nitrofurantoin.
Proprietary preparations: Furadantin; Macrobid; Macrodantin.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic that is not related to any of the other antibiotics. It is used for treating bacterial skin infections and is especially useful for nasal infections, since it is active against methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics and may be carried in the nostrils. Mupirocin is available, on prescription only, as an ointment to be applied to the skin
or nostrils.
Side effects: the ointment may cause stinging on application; contact
with the eyes should be avoided.
Precautions: mupirocin should be used with caution by people with
kidney disease.
Proprietary preparations: Bactroban; Bactroban Nasal.
A proprietary combination of nalidixic acid (a quinolone antibiotic), sodium citrate, citric acid, and *sodium bicarbonate (all alkalizing agents), used for the treatment of cystitis and other infections of the lower urinary tract. It is available, on prescription only, as effervescent granules.
Side effects: include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, visual disturbances, seizures, and allergic reactions.
Precautions: Mictral should not be taken by people with a history of epilepsy or seizures, poor kidney function, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who are taking Mictral should avoid
exposure to sunlight.
