Treatment with antibiotics is a necessary measure, which should be resorted to in cases of emergency. The drugs of this group affect not only the disease. They adversely affect the liver, can cause a number of adverse reactions, including a violation of the intestinal microflora, leading to dysbacteriosis. Since the appointment of antibiotics is the prerogative of specialists, the patient's task is to seek treatment in time. A remedy chosen independently may not have a therapeutic effect. The doctor, based on knowledge and experience, taking into account the overall clinical picture, will select the treatment and prescribe the necessary antibiotic if necessary.
Types of antibiotics
For the effective treatment of colds, you need to know the chemical composition of antibiotics and the principles of their effect on the body. There are 4 types of antibiotics used for colds and flu: penicillin group, macrolides, cephalosporin group and fluoroquinolones. The appointment of a representative of any of the listed groups should be carried out by a doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severitydiseases.
Penicillins
Preparations of the penicillin group, related to beta-lactam antibiotics, were first obtained in pure form from mold in the middle of the last century. Their action is aimed at disrupting the synthesis of the cell wall, which stops the formation of peptide bonds. Penicillins are low-toxic, and allergic reactions and dysbacteriosis are isolated from side effects, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Types of penicillin antibiotics
There are two groups of penicillins:
- Natural group. The most widely used in medicine are s alts of benzylpenicillin, which are used to combat inflammation and infections of various nature. Separate biological penicillins of short and long action. Since they all tend to be destroyed in an acidic environment, it is preferable to use them parenterally, that is, in the form of injections.
- The semi-synthetic form is less potent than the natural one, but has a broader spectrum and is subdivided into oxacillin, ampicillin and dicloxacillin. It differs from the first type in acid resistance and can be used orally. Antibiotic referred for treatment:
- staph infections of the skin, bones and joints;
- brain abscess;
- respiratory and ENT infections;
- in combined treatment of peptic ulcer;
- inflammation of the genitourinary system.
Penicillins for colds
The main representatives of the penicillin group of antibiotics incolds and flu - these are Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Amoxiclav.
"Amoxicillin" belongs to the group of semi-synthetic penicillins. Release the drug with a dosage of 250 to 750 mg in the form of tablets; capsules for oral administration; dry matter for the manufacture of an injection solution; granules in a glass bottle for making syrup. It is used for problems of the genitourinary system, skin and intestinal infections, for sepsis and meningitis. The effectiveness of the use of an antibiotic for colds and associated inflammation of the ENT organs and respiratory tract has been proven. The remedy is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, patients with dysbacteriosis and malignant tumors of the lymphatic system, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation. Adverse reactions are usually associated with individual characteristics, including existing diseases. When applied, temporary changes in the indicators of the central nervous system are often observed. Unless otherwise prescribed by the attending physician, amoxicillin is taken 3 times a day at a dosage of 500 m, regardless of food intake. For children, an antibiotic for colds is prescribed in cases of bacterial complications of rapidly developing diseases. Use the medicine in liquid form, mixing the granular form with water immediately before taking it. The suspension is supplied with a 5 ml measuring spoon containing 250 mg of the substance.
"Ampicillin" belongs to the category of the cheapest antibiotics for colds. In chemical composition, it is similar to "Amoxicillin", hasidentical release forms. The difference lies in the smaller amount of the active substance that reaches the infected area and is involved in the treatment. The drug is effective for the treatment of infections such as pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, meningitis. The adult dose is 2 to 4 grams per day, the children's dosage (preferably in the form of syrup) should not exceed 2 grams. The medicine is approved for use during pregnancy, during lactation it is not recommended to feed the baby until the mother recovers.
"Amoxiclav" belongs to the category of inexpensive antibiotics of the penicillin series used for colds. Over time, the bacteria adapted to the negative effects of drugs and some of them were able to act destructively on amoxicillin. In Amoxiclav, the active ingredient is supplemented with clavulanic acid, which reduces the activity of the beta-lactamase enzyme, which together makes the drug more effective. The product is available in the form of a powder for the manufacture of syrup and tablets. The dose of the main active ingredient in tablets varies from 500 to 875 mg with the addition of 125 mg of acid. In 5 ml of a suspension made from powder, the amount of amoxicillin is 125 mg, and the additional substance is 31.5 mg. Amoxiclav has been widely used in the fight against strains resistant to amoxicillin, including respiratory tract infections and colds with various complications. The peculiarity of the drug is the possible onset of adverse reactions after treatment, sometimes with an interval of 10-12 days. Contraindications are identifiednegative effects when using the medicine earlier.
Despite the wide range of use of penicillin group drugs, which antibiotics to take for a cold can only be decided by the attending physician. Self-administration of drugs from the penicillin series can not only be a waste of money, but also significantly undermine the patient's he alth.
Cephalosporins
One of the drugs of the first generation of the cephalosporin species, obtained in the mid-sixties of the twentieth century in America, was the drug celafotin. The chemical basis of the preparations of this series is aminocephalosporic acid. It has a stronger resistance to beta-lactamase enzymes, which reduce the activity of drugs. The group is distinguished by high bactericidal activity and increased chemotherapeutic activity, therefore, when using it, it is necessary to take into account the existing contraindications.
Cephalosporins include 3rd generation antibiotics most commonly used for colds: Cefixime, Ceftriaxone, Suprax.
Cefixime is a 3rd generation medicine produced in 3 types: tablets, capsules and powder. The effectiveness of the drug is high in sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis, both at the initial stage of the disease and in the chronic form. The drug is widely used in inflammatory processes of the respiratory system. The antibiotic is dosed in tablets of 200 or 400 mg, in suspension - 100 mg per 5 ml of syrup. The dose of the drug used per day is prescribed in400 mg of the active substance, possibly divided into two doses. Course treatment is carried out within 7 days. A contraindication will be sensitivity to cephalosporins and children under 6 months of age. With caution, the drug is prescribed to children, calculating the active substance at a dosage of 8 mg per kilogram of weight. The number of known adverse reactions is minimal and boils down to allergic manifestations and digestive disorders.
"Ceftriaxone" belongs to the drugs of the 3rd generation, compares favorably with the form of release in the form of a powder, diluted to the state of an injection solution with a dosage of 500 and 1000 mg. Treatment is carried out by injections intramuscularly or intravenously. The maximum dose of the drug is 2000 mg per day. For newborns, the daily dose is calculated from 20 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. After the child is one year old, an antibiotic for colds can be prescribed in an amount of 80 mg / kg. From the age of 12, an adult dose is used in the treatment of children.
The use of the drug is justified in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in the field of otolaryngology, as well as lung diseases, pneumonia and pyelonephritis. The use of an antibiotic is allowed for pregnant women with a good balance of benefits and risks.
"Supraks" also refers to semi-synthetic antibiotics of the 3rd generation. The main active ingredient is cefixime. Unlike the drug "Cefixime", "Supraks" is allowed for use in the treatment of newborns under the strict supervision of a pediatrician. The antibiotic is produced in the form of capsules of 200 and 400 mg and granules.for direct suspension preparation before administration. The medication is prescribed for acute forms of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and otitis media and refers to effective broad-spectrum antibiotics. For a cold, an adult is prescribed from 400 mg per day with a duration of 7-10 days. It is preferable for children to use a suspension at the rate of 2.5 to 10 ml, based on the age of the child. The main side effects develop from the digestive system, allergic reactions and hypovitaminosis B.
Macrolides
The first macrolide drug was erythromycin, isolated from soil bacteria in the mid-twentieth century. The action of drugs in this group inhibits the growth of microorganism cells by disrupting protein synthesis. Macrolides are considered strong antibiotics for colds and are used in cases of protracted diseases of the respiratory system, a number of dental and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as in the fight against furunculosis and folliculitis. In addition, they have a minimum of side effects and are easily tolerated by their action on the body. Popular macrolide antibiotics for colds are Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Sumamed. These drugs are very effective.
"Erythromycin" belongs to the class of cheap antibiotics for colds and is used in cases of intolerance to penicillin group drugs by patients. The drug is distinguished by a variety of forms of release: tablets, ointments, suppositories, suspension, powder for making a solution. However, "Erythromycin" does not have an extended effect and is not used infight most Gram-negative bacteria. Appointment by the attending physician of "Erythromycin" is possible with the following diseases:
- pharyngitis and tonsillitis;
- acute bronchitis;
- lung problems;
- whooping cough.
Dose for adults is from 1 to 2 grams per day, for children the calculation is carried out, taking into account the age and weight of the baby. Course treatment with the drug can last up to 2 weeks and stops only after complete elimination of visible signs and improvement in general condition. When using intravenous injections, it is necessary to administer the drug slowly in a single volume of 200 mg for up to 5 days, then using the drug in tablets. The drug has no contraindications and is recommended as an antibiotic for flu and colds for adults and children.
"Azithromycin" is available in the form of tablets, capsules and powder used to prepare a suspension. It is used for the protracted nature of the disease, when antiviral drugs do not help, and it becomes necessary to act on microbes with an antibiotic for colds. 3 tablets with the active ingredient in the amount of 500 mg, taken with an interval of 24 hours, do an excellent job with infections of the respiratory system and other otolaryngological orientations. The drug has been widely used in the treatment of genital infections, as well as inflammation of the cervix and urethra. The drug not only inhibits cell growth, but also leads to their rapid destruction. The drug belongs to inexpensive antibiotics. With a cold, you can not resort to the action of "Azithromycin" incases of diseases of the liver and kidneys and during breastfeeding. Suspension is recommended for patients under 12 years of age. Careful use of the drug requires during pregnancy and with problems of the cardiovascular direction.
Compared to "Erythromycin", the antibiotic "Azithromycin" is much more stable in an acidic environment and has a high rate of activity. In addition, it is approved for use in patients with HIV infection.
"Sumamed" is an analogue of "Azithromycin" with the same active ingredient (azithromycin dihydrate), which has identical forms of release, but is produced in Croatia. The drug belongs to broad-spectrum antibiotics. For a cold, it is enough for an adult to take 3 doses of 500 mg of the active substance with an interval of 24 hours. The remedy is most effective in the treatment of bronchitis and sinusitis. For children, a suspension is recommended in a dosage calculated according to the age and weight of the child. The appointment of tablets and capsules in childhood is strictly prohibited.
Which antibiotic is better for colds for children ("Azithromycin" or "Sumamed"), the pediatrician decides. Means have the same effect on bacteria, but have different excipients, which can affect the child's body in different ways. When choosing an antibiotic, parents should also carefully study the instructions so as not to encounter adverse reactions associated with the resistance of individual components of the drug.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolone-type antibiotics are used against coldswith intolerance or lack of positive dynamics from taking other drugs. Means have established themselves as the strongest antimicrobial drugs. Fluoroquinolones are classified as antibiotics formally, since they are similar to them in terms of the principle of action, but radically differ in chemical composition and have no analogues in nature. There are quinolones non-fluorinated, gram-negative and respiratory. The name of the latter duplicates the effectiveness of the use in the treatment of the respiratory tract. For use in adults, antibiotics for colds and flu in the fluoroquinolone class are used: Nevigramone, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin.
"Nevigramon" is one of the most expensive antibiotics. The complex of two acids - nalidixic and stearic - as the main active ingredient, is presented in the form of capsules. Acids inhibit the development and growth of microbes, and the bioavailability of the drug, approaching 95%, gives a high efficiency of treatment. The medicine is prescribed for colds with complications of the urinary tract and in the postoperative period. In childhood, as well as during pregnancy and lactation, the drug is not prescribed. The daily intake is 4 grams of the active substance and is equal to 8 capsules.
"Ciprofloxacin" is a drug with a wide spectrum of action, produced in the form of a tablet, solution and concentrate solution for injection, drops for the ears. The active substance is effective in the treatment of bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, infections of the respiratory system, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis,sinusitis, inflammation of the kidneys, organs of the genitourinary system, diseases of the stomach and intestines, infections of soft tissues and diseases that manifest themselves against the background of immunodeficiency or with a cold. Which antibiotics to drink in a particular of the listed cases, you need to decide together with the doctor. Despite the wide scope of application, the drug is not suitable for everyone. The drug should not be used in childhood, during pregnancy, in conjunction with tizanidine, with lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency. Adverse reactions may occur in the form of nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, as well as the manifestation of candidiasis.
List of antibiotics for children
Because the results of the examination, in particular sputum analysis, require a certain time, and help often needs to be provided immediately, the baby is prescribed extensive drugs. This absolutely does not mean that any antibiotic from this series is suitable for treating a child. What antibiotics can be used for colds in children, the pediatrician knows. The most commonly prescribed ones are:
- penicillins: Flemoxin Solutab, Amoxiclav;
- cephalosporin type: "Supraks";
- macrolide groups: "Sumamed", "Azithromycin";
- fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin.
Using antibiotics for colds as prescribed by a doctor is a prerequisite for recovery, since the baby's respiratory system is not fully developed, and the risk of complications is quite high.
Use of antibiotics in childhood
Only the attending physician can determine which antibiotics for colds to drink to children. After examining the child and studying the clinical picture, the doctor can offer the patient a choice of several drugs with the same principle of action and belonging to the same group. The parent of the baby, knowing the individual characteristics of the child and their financial capabilities, is the final link in the selection of the drug. But the optimal dosage and treatment regimen is determined only by the pediatrician.
Children under one year old are most often treated with antibiotic injections, syrups and suspensions are preferable at preschool age, half-dose tablets or capsules are used at middle school age, adult doses of drugs are prescribed for high school students and children weighing more than 50 kg.
The use of an antibiotic is justified in cases of avoiding possible complications, with a weakened he alth of the child or a threat to the life of the baby.
Recommendations and feedback on the use of antibiotics
Both positive and negative reviews when using antibacterial agents will not give a complete picture of a particular patient. What suits one does not always suit another, with seemingly identical symptoms. Knowing the individual characteristics of your body can help in choosing a drug if the doctor has offered several options to choose from, for example, from a different price category.
It is not recommended, in order to speed up recovery, to purchase broad-spectrum drugs and drugs that only contain 3 tablets in a package. This treatment may not work. Seeing a specialist is the first and most important task for a patient. Your doctor will examine you and decide which antibiotics to take for your cold. If the picture is unclear, a comprehensive examination will be scheduled, including tests and necessary medical procedures.
