Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are types of medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. The Greek word anti means "against", and the Greek word bios means "life" (bacteria are life forms). Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria are...
Antibiotics shouldn't be your first choice if you have a sinus infection because most of these infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work on bacteria. But if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin clavulanate or doxycycline (if you're allergi...
In the vast majority of cases, a viral infection will take hold in the nose, throat, or upper respiratory system. Viral infections may also be spread by insects, examples being the West Nile virus and certain forms of encephalitis. Your immune system fights a viral infection; antibiotics that...
Both vaccines and antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases. There are vaccines that work against both viruses and bacterias. Antibiotics, however, only work against bacteria and other microorganisms. Vaccines stimulate antibody production in the body. Antibiotics inhibit the growth of or destro...
When else might antibiotics be used? Antibiotics are sometimes used to prevent infections in patients who are undergoing surgery and are at significant risk of infection, such as those undergoing bowel resection. These patients willgenerally receivea single dose before the procedure. ...
The manner in which you can treat a bacterial skin infection may depend on the type of infection. Some minor skin infections may be treated at home with topical antibiotic creams, while others may require treatment with prescription-strength antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics. You may do well...
This helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other people. The bottom line C. diff infection most often happens after a person has recently taken antibiotics. The infection is highly contagious. And it can have serious complications if you don’t treat it. It’s important to take ...
a previous hypersensitivity reaction to other carbapenems, cephalosporins, penicillins or other allergens. If this product is to be given to a penicillin-or other beta-lactam-allergic patient, caution should be exercised because cross-reactivity among beta-lactam antibiotics has been clearly documented...
If your doctor says, "Yes, I believe you have a bacterial infection and you need the antibiotic," the next question is, "Okay, can we treat for a short course?" Third, after you begin taking the antibiotics, if you feel much better before you complete the course, give your doctor a...
Additional treatment may vary depending on what caused the infection. Bacterial infections may be treated with: Prescription oral antibiotics Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments Eye compresses If your infection occurred after scratching your cornea, your doctor may prescribe special steroid drops...