Archive for the ‘Antibiotics’ Category
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 The drug should be withdrawn if signs of breathing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.