Questions and Answers about

Antibiotics

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are strong medications that treat bacterial infections. They will not work on infections caused by viruses, such as a cold or the flu.

What will antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor to treat common infections, such as ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and other infections. How long should I take my antibioticmedication?

It is very important to take your prescription medication for the length of time established by your physician. You should finish all the medication as prescribed even if you feel better after just few days.

What if I don’t finish the medication?

Antibiotics usually kill bacteria or stop them from growing. “Resistance” develops when antibiotics do not work against the bacteria causing the infection. When a person takes the first few doses and then stops taking the medication, bacteria that survived the

treatment in the first few days will multiply and pass on their ability to survive the antibiotic to their offspring.

As a result, future generations of bacteria will be less likely to be stopped by the same antibiotic. In other cases when antibiotics are used for conditions (like the common cold or flu), bacteria can survive and become stronger, preventing a successful treatment in the future.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up on the next dose. Continue taking your medication on schedule as prescribed.

When should I stop taking my antibiotics?

Sometimes medications can cause unwanted symptoms. One of the most common signs of an adverse effect is a rash. If you develop a rash, hives, have difficulty breathing, feel a tightness in your chest, or experience swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, contact your healthcare provider immediately and get emergency medical care.

What are the side effects of taking antibiotics?

It is likely that you will not experience any side effects from taking your antibiotic medication. If you do experience a side effect, it will generally pass quickly. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you develop diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or feel

weak or experience wheezing, contact your doctor.

Other symptoms (mild diarrhea, stomach upset, sore tongue, white patches in your mouth), are not a sign of a severe allergic reaction. These may be a side effect of your therapy. You should report these symptoms to your physician but continue taking your medication as prescribed. If your side effects continue or get worse, tell your doctor, or contact your pharmacist.

How should I store my antibiotics?

You should store your antibiotics in a dry place at room temperature. Some of the suspensions (powder mixed with water) must be stored in the refrigerator. Check the label for specific instructions for your medication.

What else can I do while taking antibiotics?

► To help stop the infection from spreading, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.

► Never take antibiotics prescribed for another person or use the medication prescribed for a different infection.

► Report any unusual side effects or reactions to the medication prescribed to you.

► Eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, don’t smoke, and avoid consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics.

What are some questions I should ask my doctor about taking antibiotics?

● What kind of antibiotic are youprescribing for me?

● How should I take the medication?● When should I take the medication?● What food/medications/herbal supplements

will interact with this medication?● May I take this medication if I am

pregnant or nursing?● How will this medication affect my birth

control?● What kinds of side effects might

I experience?● Are there any other precautions?

Remember:

Have more Questions? Go Online:

www.rxlist.com

Reference List of Common Antibiotics:

Penicillins:Pen VK (penicillin VK), Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Augmentin (Amoxicillin Clavulanate)

Cephalosporins:Keflex (cephalexin), Duricef (cefadroxil), Ceclor (cefaclor), Cefzil (cefprozil), Lorabid (Loracerbef), Omnicef (cefdinir)

Sulfonamides and combinations:Bactrim & Bactrim DS / Septra & Septra DS / Sulfatrim & Sulfatrim Pediatric (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)

Fluoroquinolones:Levaquin (levofloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Tequin (gatifloxacin), Ocuflox / Floxin (ofloxacin)

Nitrofurans:Macrodantin/Nitrofurantoin, Macrobid

Nitroimidazoles:Flagyl (metronidazole)

Aminoglycosides:Tobramycin, Gentak / Geramycin / Genoptic (gentamycin), Neomycin, Streptomycin

Tetracyclines:Tetracycline, Dynacin / Minocin / Myrac (minocycline), Adoxa / Monodox / Periostat / Vibra-Tabs / Vibramycin (doxycycline)

Macrolides:Zithromax (azithromycin), Biaxin (clarithromycin), EES/Eryped (erythromycin), Dynabac (dirithromycin)

Lincosamides:Cleocin / Clindagel (clindamycin), Bacitracin

QUESTIONS and ANSWERSAbout

ANTIBIOTICS

An Informative Brochure about Antibiotics

Provided by

Safeway Pharmacy6501 E. Greenway

Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

(480) 991-2373