Sunday, May 20, 2007
The Best Antibiotics for Ear Infections
The 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for the treatment of ear infections includes specific recommendation for which antibiotics should be used in different situations. Most ear infections do not need antibiotics at all. If antibiotics are used, high-dose amoxil is the best choice for most children - along with treatment for their ear pain. If the child is allergic to Amoxil (amoxicillin), then Ceftin, Omnicef, or Vantin are the preferred choices. If the child is also allergic to all four of these, then Zithromax or Biaxin are the recommended alternatives. If the child with the ear infection has a fever over 102.2 F or is severely ill, then the best starting antibiotic is usually Augmentin. If the child is allergic to Augmentin, then 1 to 3 injections of Rocephin is usually the best choice. Whatever the initial antibiotic, it should be changed if there is not clear improvement within 48 to 72 hours. High-dose Augmentin is usually the best follow-up choice. If the fever is still over 102.2, the child is severely ill, or allergic to Augmentin, then three days of Rocephin injections are recommended. If the child is allergic to Rocephin, then clindamycin is the antibiotic of choice. These guidelines can help many children avoid unnecessary rounds of ineffective antibiotics
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - Symptoms , Causes,and Treatmen
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. Women are most at risk of developing a UTI. In fact, half of all women will develop a UTI during their lifetimes, and many will experience more than one. Some women seem are more prone to repeated infections than others and for them it can be a frustrating battle.
Causes
The most common cause of UTI is bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.
Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus in most of the 5 to 15% of cases, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Men and women infected with chlamydia trachomatis or mycoplasma hominis can transmit the bacteria to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Symptoms
Symptoms of Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection are not easy to miss and include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed which is followed by a sharp pain or burning sensation in the urethra when the urine is released. Mostly very little urine is released and the urine that is released may be bloody. The urge to urinate recurs quickly and soreness may occur in the lower abdomen, back, or sides. Common symptoms of lower urinary tract infections : -
Painful urination
Increased urinary frequency/urgency
Awakening at night to urinate
Tenderness or heaviness in the lower abdomen
Blood in the urine
Foul smelling urine
Urine appears cloudy
Treatment
Urethritis in men and women can be caused by the same bacteria as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, people with symptoms of STDs (vaginal or penile discharge, for example) should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Drugs most commonly recommended for simple UTIs include amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin), trimethoprim (Proloprim) and the antibiotic combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).
In children, cystitis should be treated promptly with antibiotics to protect their developing kidneys. In the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended due to the greater chances of fatal complications.
Adult females with potential for or early involvement of the kidneys, urinary tract abnormalities, or diabetes are usually given a 5 to 7 day course of antibiotics.
Causes
The most common cause of UTI is bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.
Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus in most of the 5 to 15% of cases, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Men and women infected with chlamydia trachomatis or mycoplasma hominis can transmit the bacteria to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Symptoms
Symptoms of Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection are not easy to miss and include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed which is followed by a sharp pain or burning sensation in the urethra when the urine is released. Mostly very little urine is released and the urine that is released may be bloody. The urge to urinate recurs quickly and soreness may occur in the lower abdomen, back, or sides. Common symptoms of lower urinary tract infections : -
Painful urination
Increased urinary frequency/urgency
Awakening at night to urinate
Tenderness or heaviness in the lower abdomen
Blood in the urine
Foul smelling urine
Urine appears cloudy
Treatment
Urethritis in men and women can be caused by the same bacteria as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, people with symptoms of STDs (vaginal or penile discharge, for example) should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Drugs most commonly recommended for simple UTIs include amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin), trimethoprim (Proloprim) and the antibiotic combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).
In children, cystitis should be treated promptly with antibiotics to protect their developing kidneys. In the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended due to the greater chances of fatal complications.
Adult females with potential for or early involvement of the kidneys, urinary tract abnormalities, or diabetes are usually given a 5 to 7 day course of antibiotics.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Peripheral Neuropathy Associated With Cipro
dverse effects associated with the use of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics are not always benign. Not infrequently, they can be severe and permanently disabling, and they may occur following just one or a few doses, according to a study posted on the Annals of Pharmacotherapy Web site. Scheduled for publication in December 2001, this article was released early online because of the threat of anthrax and subsequent heightened interest in Cipro.
Jay S. Cohen, MD, an associate professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego, analyzed 45 cases in which fluoroquinolone antibiotics (including 11 cases involving ciprofloxacin) were associated with adverse effects involving the peripheral nervous system such as tingling, numbness, burning pain, twitching, or spasms. Of those 45 cases, 42 (93%) of these patients also sustained adverse effects involving other systems. Seventy-eight percent experienced central nervous system (CNS) symptoms such as dizziness, agitation, impaired cognitive function, or hallucinations, and 73% reported musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint or muscle pain or tendon rupture. Adverse events also involved the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, skin, and special senses in 18%-42% of cases.
Assessments of severity revealed 2 cases that were mild (4%), 7 moderate (16%), and 36 severe (80%) with chronic pain and/or significantly limited normal function. Symptoms were typically long-term, with 91% exceeding 1 month in duration, 71% exceeding 3 months, and 58% exceeding 1 year. Twelve cases (27%) lasted longer than 2 years. These severe, long-term reactions occurred in a generally young and healthy population. The average patient age was 42 years (range, 11-68 years). Sixty-two percent had no other medical disorder except the infection (mainly sinusitis, prostatitis, urinary infections) that prompted fluoroquinolone therapy.
Because of the current anthrax threat and the hoarding of ciprofloxacin by thousands of people, it is imperative that physicians and the public understand the benefits and potential risks of using ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics indiscriminately. The media have, generally, presented only a few fluoroquinolone adverse effects, which are usually described as mild and brief. There are anecdotal reports of people already taking ciprofloxacin prophylactically.
The cases presented in this article, as well as previously published articles about the adverse effects of fluoroquinolones, should give physicians pause before using fluoroquinolones unnecessarily, especially because other, safer antibiotics (eg, penicillin, doxycycline) can often be used instead. Moreover, not all serious reactions associated with fluoroquinolones are listed in package inserts or the Physicians' Desk Reference.
Patients must be informed that with the development of any musculoskeletal, or peripheral or central nervous system symptoms, fluoroquinolone treatment should be discontinued immediately unless medical circumstances (eg, severe infection and no alternative treatment) warrant otherwise. Patients sustaining these reactions should not receive fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the future.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Antibiotics Classification, Side Effects And Uses
Antibiotics are specific chemical substances derived from or produced by living organisms that are capable of inhibiting the life processes of other organisms. Penicillins are a group of closely related antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections occurring in the body.
Penicillin, the world's first antibiotic, was discovered by British scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928 on accident. The penicillins were the first antibiotics discovered as natural products from the mold Penicillium.
Over the years, this family of antibiotics has grown, and the antimicrobial activity has expanded. Today there are at least 20 kinds of penicillin antibiotics. However, despite the discovery of many new antibiotics, the penicillins have remained a primary choice for treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections. They are used to treat ear, nose and throat infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections, prostate infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Penicillins disadvantages:
* short duaration of action - because of this short half-life, the penicillins must be administered at short intervals, usually every 4 hours
* acid lability - most of these drugs are destroyed by gastric acid
* many patients experience GI upset
* lack of activity against most Gram-negative organisms
* painful if given intramuscularly
* drug hypersensivity - about 10% of population has allergy
Penicillins advantages:
* efficacious in the treatment of infections
* relatively nontoxic
* bactericidal against sensitive strains
* have excellent tissue penetration
* relatively inexpensive in comparison with other antibiotics.
Newer penicillins are resistant to stomach acid, such as penicillin V, or have a broader spectrum, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin.
Classification of Penicillins
There are 4 classes of penicillins, based upon their ability to kill various types of bacteria. From narrow to broad range of effectiveness they include:
* Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins (Cloxacillin, Dicloxacillin, Methicillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin). Methicillin was the first member of this group, followed by oxacillin, nafcillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin. The penicillinase-resistant penicillins have a more narrow spectrum of activity than the natural penicillins. Their antimicrobial efficacy is aimed directly against penicillinase-producing strains of gram-positive cocci, particularly Staphylococcal species and these drugs are sometimes called anti-staphylococcal penicillins.
* Natural Penicillins (Penicillin G, Procaine, Penicillin G, Penicillin V, Benzathine). The natural penicillins were the first agents in the penicillin family to be introduced for clinical use. The natural penicillins are based on the original penicillin-G structure. They are effective against gram-positive strains of streptococci, staphylococci, and some gram-negative bacteria such as meningococcus. Penicillin V is the drug of choice for the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. It is also useful for anaerobic coverage in patients with oral cavity infections.
* Extended Spectrum Penicillins (sometimes called anti-pseudomonal penicillins). Extended Spectrum Penicillins include both alpha-carboxypenicillins (carbenicillin and ticarcillin) and acylaminopenicillins (piperacillin, azlocillin, and mezlocillin). These agents have similar spectrums of activity as the aminopenicillins but with additional activity against several gram negative organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae, including many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Like the aminopenicillins, these agents are susceptible to inactivation by beta-lactamases. These agents may be used alone or in combination with Aminoglycosides.
* Aminopenicillins (Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Bacampicillin). The aminopenicillins were the first penicillins discovered to be active against gram-negative bacteria (such as E. coli and H. influenzae). Aminopenicillins are acid-resistant so administered orally. Orally administered amoxicillin and ampicillin are used primarily to treat mild infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and bacterial diarrhea. Amoxicillin is the agent of choice for the treatment of otitis media.
Mode of action
All penicillin derivatives produce their bacteriocidal effects by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Penicillins prevent bacteria from using a substance that is necessary for the maintenance of the bacteriaТs outer cell wall. Unable to use this substance for cell wall maintenance, the bacteria swell, rupture, assume unusual shapes, and finally die.
The penicillins may be bactericidal (kill the bacteria) or bacteriostatic (stop the growth of bacteria). They are bactericidal against sensitive microorganisms provided there is an adequate concentration of penicillin in the body. An inadequate concentration of penicillin may produce bacteriostatic activity, which may or may not control the infection.
Conditions treated with penicillins, indications & uses
Penicillins may be used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, septicemia, meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, gonorrhea, syphilis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, ear, nose and throat infections, skin and soft tissue infections. Examples of infectious microorganisms (bacteria) that may respond to penicillin therapy include gonococci, staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci.
Penicillins are used to prevent bacterial infection before, during and after surgery and to prevent Group A streptococcus ("strep") infections in people with a history of rheumatic heart disease.
Most penicillins work best when taken on an empty stomach (either one hour before meals or two hours after) with an 8-ounce glass of water. The water helps prevent the medicine from irritating the delicate lining of the esophagus and stomach. However, some types of penicillin can be taken on either a full or empty stomach. These include amoxicillin, penicillin V, and the tablet form of bacampicillin.
Penicillins work best when there is a constant amount circulating in the body. So it's important not to miss a dose. Also, it's best to take doses at evenly spaced intervals, both day and night.
Side effects
Although most penicillins are safe for the majority of people, some people may experience side effects.
Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions are thought to be the most frequently occurring side effect. An estimated 3-10% of the general population are allergic to penicillin. Once an individual is allergic to one penicillin, he or she is most likely allergic to all of the penicillins. Those allergic to penicillin also have a higher incidence of allergy to the cephalosporin antibiotics.
The most serious allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, shock, and unconsciousness. An early sign of anaphylaxis is a feeling of warmth and flushing. If any of these occurs, the medicine should be stopped and emergency help sought immediately. Anaphylactic shock occurs more frequently after parenteral administration but can occur with oral use.
Other most common side effects are mild diarrhea, vomiting, headache, vaginal itching and discharge, sore mouth or tongue, or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment unless they continue or they are bothersome. Occasionally, certain types of penicillin may cause the tongue to darken or discolor. This condition is temporary and will go away when the medicine is stopped.
On rare occasions some types of penicillin may cause severe abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or bloating or severe or bloody diarrhea. Other rare side effects include fever, increased thirst, severe nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, weight loss, seizures, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Penicillin, the world's first antibiotic, was discovered by British scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928 on accident. The penicillins were the first antibiotics discovered as natural products from the mold Penicillium.
Over the years, this family of antibiotics has grown, and the antimicrobial activity has expanded. Today there are at least 20 kinds of penicillin antibiotics. However, despite the discovery of many new antibiotics, the penicillins have remained a primary choice for treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections. They are used to treat ear, nose and throat infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections, prostate infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Penicillins disadvantages:
* short duaration of action - because of this short half-life, the penicillins must be administered at short intervals, usually every 4 hours
* acid lability - most of these drugs are destroyed by gastric acid
* many patients experience GI upset
* lack of activity against most Gram-negative organisms
* painful if given intramuscularly
* drug hypersensivity - about 10% of population has allergy
Penicillins advantages:
* efficacious in the treatment of infections
* relatively nontoxic
* bactericidal against sensitive strains
* have excellent tissue penetration
* relatively inexpensive in comparison with other antibiotics.
Newer penicillins are resistant to stomach acid, such as penicillin V, or have a broader spectrum, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin.
Classification of Penicillins
There are 4 classes of penicillins, based upon their ability to kill various types of bacteria. From narrow to broad range of effectiveness they include:
* Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins (Cloxacillin, Dicloxacillin, Methicillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin). Methicillin was the first member of this group, followed by oxacillin, nafcillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin. The penicillinase-resistant penicillins have a more narrow spectrum of activity than the natural penicillins. Their antimicrobial efficacy is aimed directly against penicillinase-producing strains of gram-positive cocci, particularly Staphylococcal species and these drugs are sometimes called anti-staphylococcal penicillins.
* Natural Penicillins (Penicillin G, Procaine, Penicillin G, Penicillin V, Benzathine). The natural penicillins were the first agents in the penicillin family to be introduced for clinical use. The natural penicillins are based on the original penicillin-G structure. They are effective against gram-positive strains of streptococci, staphylococci, and some gram-negative bacteria such as meningococcus. Penicillin V is the drug of choice for the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. It is also useful for anaerobic coverage in patients with oral cavity infections.
* Extended Spectrum Penicillins (sometimes called anti-pseudomonal penicillins). Extended Spectrum Penicillins include both alpha-carboxypenicillins (carbenicillin and ticarcillin) and acylaminopenicillins (piperacillin, azlocillin, and mezlocillin). These agents have similar spectrums of activity as the aminopenicillins but with additional activity against several gram negative organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae, including many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Like the aminopenicillins, these agents are susceptible to inactivation by beta-lactamases. These agents may be used alone or in combination with Aminoglycosides.
* Aminopenicillins (Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Bacampicillin). The aminopenicillins were the first penicillins discovered to be active against gram-negative bacteria (such as E. coli and H. influenzae). Aminopenicillins are acid-resistant so administered orally. Orally administered amoxicillin and ampicillin are used primarily to treat mild infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and bacterial diarrhea. Amoxicillin is the agent of choice for the treatment of otitis media.
Mode of action
All penicillin derivatives produce their bacteriocidal effects by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Penicillins prevent bacteria from using a substance that is necessary for the maintenance of the bacteriaТs outer cell wall. Unable to use this substance for cell wall maintenance, the bacteria swell, rupture, assume unusual shapes, and finally die.
The penicillins may be bactericidal (kill the bacteria) or bacteriostatic (stop the growth of bacteria). They are bactericidal against sensitive microorganisms provided there is an adequate concentration of penicillin in the body. An inadequate concentration of penicillin may produce bacteriostatic activity, which may or may not control the infection.
Conditions treated with penicillins, indications & uses
Penicillins may be used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, septicemia, meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, gonorrhea, syphilis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, ear, nose and throat infections, skin and soft tissue infections. Examples of infectious microorganisms (bacteria) that may respond to penicillin therapy include gonococci, staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci.
Penicillins are used to prevent bacterial infection before, during and after surgery and to prevent Group A streptococcus ("strep") infections in people with a history of rheumatic heart disease.
Most penicillins work best when taken on an empty stomach (either one hour before meals or two hours after) with an 8-ounce glass of water. The water helps prevent the medicine from irritating the delicate lining of the esophagus and stomach. However, some types of penicillin can be taken on either a full or empty stomach. These include amoxicillin, penicillin V, and the tablet form of bacampicillin.
Penicillins work best when there is a constant amount circulating in the body. So it's important not to miss a dose. Also, it's best to take doses at evenly spaced intervals, both day and night.
Side effects
Although most penicillins are safe for the majority of people, some people may experience side effects.
Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions are thought to be the most frequently occurring side effect. An estimated 3-10% of the general population are allergic to penicillin. Once an individual is allergic to one penicillin, he or she is most likely allergic to all of the penicillins. Those allergic to penicillin also have a higher incidence of allergy to the cephalosporin antibiotics.
The most serious allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, shock, and unconsciousness. An early sign of anaphylaxis is a feeling of warmth and flushing. If any of these occurs, the medicine should be stopped and emergency help sought immediately. Anaphylactic shock occurs more frequently after parenteral administration but can occur with oral use.
Other most common side effects are mild diarrhea, vomiting, headache, vaginal itching and discharge, sore mouth or tongue, or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment unless they continue or they are bothersome. Occasionally, certain types of penicillin may cause the tongue to darken or discolor. This condition is temporary and will go away when the medicine is stopped.
On rare occasions some types of penicillin may cause severe abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or bloating or severe or bloody diarrhea. Other rare side effects include fever, increased thirst, severe nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, weight loss, seizures, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
The History of Antibiotics
May be everyone has ever taken antibiotic for some reason. Antibiotics like Penicillin and Terramycin are often prescribed even when they are not needed. Your doctor may have told you to take antibiotics to ease the symptoms and treat infections like boils, pneumonia and fever. Certainly you have tried an antibiotic unguent to treat bad cuts or scrapes.
Antibiotics are often called "miracle drugs" because they are very efficient against infections. But the truth is that they are not "miracle drugs". It will better to name them "microbe drugs". The name "antibiotic" comes from two Greek words which mean "against life". Antibiotic consist of ingredients which stop the growth of bacteria.
The first records of antibiotic usage come from more than 3000 years ago. At that time Asian people have already found certain moulds that cure infections. Despite the Indians of Central America and the Chinese had not known the essence of treatment and diseases, they had used molds to treat infected wounds. And they had done it efficiently. They believed in spiritualism and magic. They thought that moulds send away evil spirits which cause the disease. Nowadays, things do not stand the same way. People have already gained some knowledge for the infections. In the 1860s, a French scientist Louis Pasteur found that bacteria cause some diseases and it can be fight against using other bacteria. There starts the true knowledge about bacteria and infections.
The first men who made an effective medicine from bacteria were Rudolf Emmerich and Oskar Low, two doctors from Germany. They also find out that microbes which cause a disease may successfully cure another disease. The germs were taken from infected bandages. The two doctors grew tem in test tubes. They successfully isolated a bacterium, known now as Bacillus pyocyaneus, which colors infected and opened wounds in green. The Germans put some of these bacteria Bacillus pyocyaneus in test tubes with other germs. The result of the experiment was that the Bacillus pyocyaneus killed the other bacteria. Fortunately, the killed bacteria happened to be germs which cause cholera, diphtheria, anthrax and typhoid fever.
Rudolf Emmerich and Oskar Low decided to use the bacteria Bacillus pyocyaneus to make a medicine which will cure infections. They named the medicine "pyocyanase". It was expected to be the first antibiotic widely used for treatment oh patients in hospitals. http://www.finditforbaby.com Alas, the two German doctors had not realized that it was too early to present such a medicine. It was discovered that some of the patients who take "pyocyanase" get better but some of them get even worse. Nobody was aware of how this drug worked and how to control its action. This caused prohibition against taking pyocyanase.
A safe and effective antibiotic was really needed. Physicians did not know how to heal infections. Such medicine was not found until 1928. Then, a scientist named Alexander Fleming made a discovery that shook the antibiotic medicine to its foundations. He was carrying a study on the bacteria called Staphylococcus aureaus. http://divinus2.info It is the cause for complaints which lead to brain diseases. He found that moulds in one of his petri dishes became spoiled. He ascertained the fact that the mold had eliminated the germs around it because there was an antiseptic ring of gelatin around the spot of mold. Later he named the mold penicillin.
Unfortunately, penicillin could not cure diseases such as the bubonic plague. Because of this, an American, Dr. Selman Waksman discovered a medicine which he called streptomycin which was effective against other diseases.
Not later, sulfonamides were discovered. They were drugs made of chemicals that are used for dye production. They proved to be very effective against diseases caused by infections. Regrettably, sulfa drugs gave very serious side effects. It was found that sulfa drugs weakened bacteria rather than kill it. However, weakening the germs gives the body a chance to recover.
Antibiotics are often called "miracle drugs" because they are very efficient against infections. But the truth is that they are not "miracle drugs". It will better to name them "microbe drugs". The name "antibiotic" comes from two Greek words which mean "against life". Antibiotic consist of ingredients which stop the growth of bacteria.
The first records of antibiotic usage come from more than 3000 years ago. At that time Asian people have already found certain moulds that cure infections. Despite the Indians of Central America and the Chinese had not known the essence of treatment and diseases, they had used molds to treat infected wounds. And they had done it efficiently. They believed in spiritualism and magic. They thought that moulds send away evil spirits which cause the disease. Nowadays, things do not stand the same way. People have already gained some knowledge for the infections. In the 1860s, a French scientist Louis Pasteur found that bacteria cause some diseases and it can be fight against using other bacteria. There starts the true knowledge about bacteria and infections.
The first men who made an effective medicine from bacteria were Rudolf Emmerich and Oskar Low, two doctors from Germany. They also find out that microbes which cause a disease may successfully cure another disease. The germs were taken from infected bandages. The two doctors grew tem in test tubes. They successfully isolated a bacterium, known now as Bacillus pyocyaneus, which colors infected and opened wounds in green. The Germans put some of these bacteria Bacillus pyocyaneus in test tubes with other germs. The result of the experiment was that the Bacillus pyocyaneus killed the other bacteria. Fortunately, the killed bacteria happened to be germs which cause cholera, diphtheria, anthrax and typhoid fever.
Rudolf Emmerich and Oskar Low decided to use the bacteria Bacillus pyocyaneus to make a medicine which will cure infections. They named the medicine "pyocyanase". It was expected to be the first antibiotic widely used for treatment oh patients in hospitals. http://www.finditforbaby.com Alas, the two German doctors had not realized that it was too early to present such a medicine. It was discovered that some of the patients who take "pyocyanase" get better but some of them get even worse. Nobody was aware of how this drug worked and how to control its action. This caused prohibition against taking pyocyanase.
A safe and effective antibiotic was really needed. Physicians did not know how to heal infections. Such medicine was not found until 1928. Then, a scientist named Alexander Fleming made a discovery that shook the antibiotic medicine to its foundations. He was carrying a study on the bacteria called Staphylococcus aureaus. http://divinus2.info It is the cause for complaints which lead to brain diseases. He found that moulds in one of his petri dishes became spoiled. He ascertained the fact that the mold had eliminated the germs around it because there was an antiseptic ring of gelatin around the spot of mold. Later he named the mold penicillin.
Unfortunately, penicillin could not cure diseases such as the bubonic plague. Because of this, an American, Dr. Selman Waksman discovered a medicine which he called streptomycin which was effective against other diseases.
Not later, sulfonamides were discovered. They were drugs made of chemicals that are used for dye production. They proved to be very effective against diseases caused by infections. Regrettably, sulfa drugs gave very serious side effects. It was found that sulfa drugs weakened bacteria rather than kill it. However, weakening the germs gives the body a chance to recover.
How To Find Relief For Ear Ringing
How to Get Tinnitus Relief
Severe tinnitus, or ear ringing, is a common but difficult-to-treat affliction. While there is no medical cure for tinnitus, various treatments and options are available. The following list of ideas can help you better manage your symptoms and get tinnitus relief.
Here Are My Tinnitis Survival Tips
A person affected by ear ringing should avoid exposure to excessively loud noise for any length of time. This is a general rule: If you are affected by tinnitus and the noise levels in the room is loud enough that you must raise your voice to be heard, you should either leave the room or use ear plugs. Many people find using small earplugs in crowded or noisy environments provides effective tinnitus relief.
Tinnitus sufferers should avoid ototoxic drugs (drugs that have a harmful effect on the organs or nerves connected with hearing and balance). These medications include:
Aminoglycoside antibiotics when given intravenously or by injection. Common names for this group of antibiotics include Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Amilkacin, Neomycin and Tobramycin.
Quinine-based anti-malarial's (Choroquine) or anti-arrhythmic's (Quinidine)
Platinum-based Chemotherapeutic agents (Cisplatin) Some physicians suggest avoiding the antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) or the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Relafen (nabumetone).
Many ear ringing sufferers will often play some sort of background noise in an effort to hide the tinnitus. Tinnitis sufferers find that in a silent room their tinnitis is amplified. It is thus advisable for people experiencing tinnitus to avoid total silence.
Experts advise tinnitus patients to hold the ears close to the head and use the thumbs and index fingers to massage the outer edges of both ears, including the earlobes.
Many have found a lowering of the tinnitus noises is brought about by doing something that increases the blood circulation to the head. Recommended exercise such as running, speed walking, swimming, cycling and aerobic activities.
Many tinnitus sufferers find relaxation and meditation techniques to be useful in providing tinnitus relief. Obviously not all of these techniques will work for you so experiment a bit and find one that you are happy with and that does the job for you.
Tinnitus counsellers recommend using mediation or soft, soothing music.
Severe tinnitus, or ear ringing, is a common but difficult-to-treat affliction. While there is no medical cure for tinnitus, various treatments and options are available. The following list of ideas can help you better manage your symptoms and get tinnitus relief.
Here Are My Tinnitis Survival Tips
A person affected by ear ringing should avoid exposure to excessively loud noise for any length of time. This is a general rule: If you are affected by tinnitus and the noise levels in the room is loud enough that you must raise your voice to be heard, you should either leave the room or use ear plugs. Many people find using small earplugs in crowded or noisy environments provides effective tinnitus relief.
Tinnitus sufferers should avoid ototoxic drugs (drugs that have a harmful effect on the organs or nerves connected with hearing and balance). These medications include:
Aminoglycoside antibiotics when given intravenously or by injection. Common names for this group of antibiotics include Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Amilkacin, Neomycin and Tobramycin.
Quinine-based anti-malarial's (Choroquine) or anti-arrhythmic's (Quinidine)
Platinum-based Chemotherapeutic agents (Cisplatin) Some physicians suggest avoiding the antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) or the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Relafen (nabumetone).
Many ear ringing sufferers will often play some sort of background noise in an effort to hide the tinnitus. Tinnitis sufferers find that in a silent room their tinnitis is amplified. It is thus advisable for people experiencing tinnitus to avoid total silence.
Experts advise tinnitus patients to hold the ears close to the head and use the thumbs and index fingers to massage the outer edges of both ears, including the earlobes.
Many have found a lowering of the tinnitus noises is brought about by doing something that increases the blood circulation to the head. Recommended exercise such as running, speed walking, swimming, cycling and aerobic activities.
Many tinnitus sufferers find relaxation and meditation techniques to be useful in providing tinnitus relief. Obviously not all of these techniques will work for you so experiment a bit and find one that you are happy with and that does the job for you.
Tinnitus counsellers recommend using mediation or soft, soothing music.
Know The Facts About Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is a moderate beta-lactam antibiotic, used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is absorbed easily and hence preferred by the doctors. However, Amoxicillin can be broken down by beta-lactamase producing bacteria and can be given with clavulanic acid. It is available as a product of GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name, Amoxil.
Amoxicillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The formula is referred to as co-amoxiclav (a name approved by the United Kingdom). However, it is commonly known by its proprietary names, Augmentin and Clamoxyl.
It is usually prescribed to women, children under the age of 8, and people allergic to tetracycline and it can be taken on an empty stomach. Amoxicillin is usually available in form of pills, which can be taken for several weeks.
Who should avoid amoxicillin?
Any patients, with the following complications, should not take Amoxicillin.
* Diabetes patients should be aware of the fact, that amoxicillin can lead to false positive results of the glucose urine tests.
* Amoxicillin passes on to breast milk, therefore it may cause yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reactions to the nursing infant, though no serious harm has ever been reported. If you are lactating it is important to seek your doctors' advice before taking amoxicillin.
* Amoxicillin belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B drugs. So, if you are pregnant, or planning to conceive, or get pregnant while taking amoxicillin, then it is suggested, that you consult your doctor immediately.
* Inform your doctor, if there are any problems related to kidney or infectious mononucleosis. If you take amoxicillin in presence of such disorders there is a big risk of adverse side effects.
* If you have previously suffered from allergic reactions to any type of penicillin or to a cephalosporin, always let your doctor know about such allergies.
Some possible side effects
It is advised that medical attention be sought instantly, should any of the following symptoms occur while taking amoxicillin. The consequences of ignoring these side effects could be serious.
* Allergic reactions that result in shortness of breath, closing of the throat, hives, swelling of lips, face, or tongue, rashes on the skin or fainting.
* Severe diarrhea
* Seizures
* Unexpected bleeding or bruising
* Abdominal cramps
Some less debilitating side affects can also result from amoxicillin such as mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or abdominal pain, yeast infection in the form of white patches on the tongue, vaginal yeast infection, causing itching or vaginal discharge, sore mouth or tongue.
Of course, other side effects are also possible. So if you detect any unusual symptom after taking amoxicillin, talk to your doctor without any delay.
Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for more information about amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The formula is referred to as co-amoxiclav (a name approved by the United Kingdom). However, it is commonly known by its proprietary names, Augmentin and Clamoxyl.
It is usually prescribed to women, children under the age of 8, and people allergic to tetracycline and it can be taken on an empty stomach. Amoxicillin is usually available in form of pills, which can be taken for several weeks.
Who should avoid amoxicillin?
Any patients, with the following complications, should not take Amoxicillin.
* Diabetes patients should be aware of the fact, that amoxicillin can lead to false positive results of the glucose urine tests.
* Amoxicillin passes on to breast milk, therefore it may cause yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reactions to the nursing infant, though no serious harm has ever been reported. If you are lactating it is important to seek your doctors' advice before taking amoxicillin.
* Amoxicillin belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B drugs. So, if you are pregnant, or planning to conceive, or get pregnant while taking amoxicillin, then it is suggested, that you consult your doctor immediately.
* Inform your doctor, if there are any problems related to kidney or infectious mononucleosis. If you take amoxicillin in presence of such disorders there is a big risk of adverse side effects.
* If you have previously suffered from allergic reactions to any type of penicillin or to a cephalosporin, always let your doctor know about such allergies.
Some possible side effects
It is advised that medical attention be sought instantly, should any of the following symptoms occur while taking amoxicillin. The consequences of ignoring these side effects could be serious.
* Allergic reactions that result in shortness of breath, closing of the throat, hives, swelling of lips, face, or tongue, rashes on the skin or fainting.
* Severe diarrhea
* Seizures
* Unexpected bleeding or bruising
* Abdominal cramps
Some less debilitating side affects can also result from amoxicillin such as mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or abdominal pain, yeast infection in the form of white patches on the tongue, vaginal yeast infection, causing itching or vaginal discharge, sore mouth or tongue.
Of course, other side effects are also possible. So if you detect any unusual symptom after taking amoxicillin, talk to your doctor without any delay.
Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for more information about amoxicillin.
Treatment Options In Pneumonia
Most of the cases of pneumonia are triggered by bacterial factors and are usually treated with 5-10 days of ant biotherapy, even longer in case of an impaired immune system. The doctor will choose the most appropriate antibiotic for your condition after taking notice of your age, symptoms, their severity and the eventual need for hospitalization. Most physicians recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic with bactericide effects on a large number of bacteria; still, most of the antibiotics available have a good curing effect on pneumonia.
In less severe cases with no need for hospitalization, the doctor will prescribe you one of the next possible treatments:
1. Macrolides such as Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Ery-tab or Zithromax.
2. Tetracyclines like Doxycycline
3. Fluoroquinolones such as Levaquin or Avelox.
In case of hospital care, the mentioned antibiotics may also be administered but in addition, other several ones are available for more severe cases of pneumonia:
1. Cephalosporines like Ceclor, Duricef or Ceftin.
2. Penicillin like Augumentin, Amoxil, Omnipen, Biomox or Timentin
3. Vancomycin
Mild to moderate pneumonia cases can also be cured with a new-generation antibiotic class called Ketolides.
In healthy young subjects, the effects of the proper ant biotherapy must usually be seen in about 2-3 days. If by this time the symptoms show no real amelioration, you might need bacterial culture and testing for sensitivity to antibiotics. This will allow the physician to determine which organism is responsible for your pneumonia type and whether you have developed resistance to that particular antibiotic.
Hospitalization is only requited in over 65 years old patients, associated conditions like diabetes, heart or kidney failure, severe illness with hypoxia, severe chest pain, no real improvements after therapy or the impossibility to eat or keep food when in this case intravenous feeding is required.
Pneumonia can also be caused by viruses similar to the Influenza causing the flu or the varicella-zoster virus causing chicken-pox. For viral types of pneumonia there is currently no actual treatment except home stay, care and treatment for the symptoms. Pneumonia cases caused by Varicella virus can be cured by using the medication called Acyclovir.
If your case is not severe enough to require hospitalization, you will not need to identify the responsible bacteria. If you have been hospitalized, additional testing will be done to find the exact cause of pneumonia. If you immediately start the ant biotherapy you will see a faster improvement and you will rapidly feel better.
In less severe cases with no need for hospitalization, the doctor will prescribe you one of the next possible treatments:
1. Macrolides such as Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Ery-tab or Zithromax.
2. Tetracyclines like Doxycycline
3. Fluoroquinolones such as Levaquin or Avelox.
In case of hospital care, the mentioned antibiotics may also be administered but in addition, other several ones are available for more severe cases of pneumonia:
1. Cephalosporines like Ceclor, Duricef or Ceftin.
2. Penicillin like Augumentin, Amoxil, Omnipen, Biomox or Timentin
3. Vancomycin
Mild to moderate pneumonia cases can also be cured with a new-generation antibiotic class called Ketolides.
In healthy young subjects, the effects of the proper ant biotherapy must usually be seen in about 2-3 days. If by this time the symptoms show no real amelioration, you might need bacterial culture and testing for sensitivity to antibiotics. This will allow the physician to determine which organism is responsible for your pneumonia type and whether you have developed resistance to that particular antibiotic.
Hospitalization is only requited in over 65 years old patients, associated conditions like diabetes, heart or kidney failure, severe illness with hypoxia, severe chest pain, no real improvements after therapy or the impossibility to eat or keep food when in this case intravenous feeding is required.
Pneumonia can also be caused by viruses similar to the Influenza causing the flu or the varicella-zoster virus causing chicken-pox. For viral types of pneumonia there is currently no actual treatment except home stay, care and treatment for the symptoms. Pneumonia cases caused by Varicella virus can be cured by using the medication called Acyclovir.
If your case is not severe enough to require hospitalization, you will not need to identify the responsible bacteria. If you have been hospitalized, additional testing will be done to find the exact cause of pneumonia. If you immediately start the ant biotherapy you will see a faster improvement and you will rapidly feel better.
Amoxil Medicine - Dosage , Use And Side Effects
Amoxil is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It fights bacteria in the body. Amoxil is used to treat many different types of infections such as:
* Tonsillitis
* Ear infections
* Urinary tract infections
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia
* Gonorrhea and infections of the skin.
Amoxicillin is antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that may cause various type of infections. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls.
Amoxil Dosage
For the treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, and Urinary Tract Infections, then the usual dose is 250 milligrams every 8 hours.
Children weighing under 88 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.
Uses of Amoxil
Amoxil is used to treat children with ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, and strep throat.
Amoxil is also used in combination with other medicines to treat patients with H. pylori infections.
Side Effects of Amoxil
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with Amoxil.
Amoxil Side effects may include:
*Agitation
*Changes in behavior
*Confusion
*Insomnia
*Rash
*Diarrhea
*Hives
*Liver problems and jaundice
*Nausea
Warnings and precautions before taking Amoxil:
*This antibiotic should be avoided in people with suspected glandular fever, acute or chronic lymphoid leukaemia, or cytomegalovirus, as it commonly causes a rash in people with these conditions.
*If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, then you should consult with your doctor before taking Amoxil.
*You should stop using Amoxil if you experience reactions such as bruising, fever, skin rash, itching, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and/or sores on the genitals. If these reactions occur, stop taking Amoxil unless your doctor advises you to continue.
*Before taking Amoxil, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, colitis, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.
Drug Interaction :-
If you are taking Amoxil with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following:
*Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
*Tetracycline (Achromycin V, others)
*Probenecid
*Oral contraceptives
*Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others)
Overdose
Symptoms of an Amoxil overdose may include:
o Muscle spasms or weakness
o Pain or twitching
o Confusion
o Coma or agitation.
o Seizures
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
* Tonsillitis
* Ear infections
* Urinary tract infections
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia
* Gonorrhea and infections of the skin.
Amoxicillin is antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that may cause various type of infections. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls.
Amoxil Dosage
For the treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, and Urinary Tract Infections, then the usual dose is 250 milligrams every 8 hours.
Children weighing under 88 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.
Uses of Amoxil
Amoxil is used to treat children with ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, and strep throat.
Amoxil is also used in combination with other medicines to treat patients with H. pylori infections.
Side Effects of Amoxil
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with Amoxil.
Amoxil Side effects may include:
*Agitation
*Changes in behavior
*Confusion
*Insomnia
*Rash
*Diarrhea
*Hives
*Liver problems and jaundice
*Nausea
Warnings and precautions before taking Amoxil:
*This antibiotic should be avoided in people with suspected glandular fever, acute or chronic lymphoid leukaemia, or cytomegalovirus, as it commonly causes a rash in people with these conditions.
*If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, then you should consult with your doctor before taking Amoxil.
*You should stop using Amoxil if you experience reactions such as bruising, fever, skin rash, itching, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and/or sores on the genitals. If these reactions occur, stop taking Amoxil unless your doctor advises you to continue.
*Before taking Amoxil, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, colitis, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.
Drug Interaction :-
If you are taking Amoxil with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following:
*Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
*Tetracycline (Achromycin V, others)
*Probenecid
*Oral contraceptives
*Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others)
Overdose
Symptoms of an Amoxil overdose may include:
o Muscle spasms or weakness
o Pain or twitching
o Confusion
o Coma or agitation.
o Seizures
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)