Antimicrobial drugs: review, application and reviews. The most effective antimicrobial agent

More than half of existing diseases are caused by disease-causing viruses or bacteria that enter the body and disrupt the constancy of its internal environment. For the treatment of such infections, various antimicrobial drugs are prescribed, which are the largest group of drugs. They cause the death of fungi, bacteria, viruses, and also inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents, unlike antibacterial agents, prevent the development of a wider range of harmful organisms.

Types of drugs and their features

Antimicrobials have a number of common specific features and are divided into several types depending on:

From the field of application (antiseptic, disinfectant)
Directions of action (antifungal, antiviral)
Method of obtaining (antibiotics, synthetic agents, natural medicines).

Before prescribing antibiotics, they check the sensitivity of the microflora to the drug and identify the causative agent of the infection. It is advisable to start treatment as early as possible, until the immune system is completely destroyed, and the number of harmful bacteria in the body is not so large. Often, such drugs are prescribed for various skin diseases caused by staphylococci and streptococci, as well as fever, headache, chills.

Synthetic drugs are usually prescribed in the presence of intolerance to antibiotics or the absence of a microflora response to them. They are highly active antimicrobials and are often used for infections of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and genitourinary system.
Natural remedies help to avoid certain diseases and are used for preventive purposes. These are infusions of herbs, berries, honey and more.

Choice of drug

When choosing a medicine for microbes, analysis data, the age of the patient, and the tolerance of the components of the drug are taken into account. During the entire course of treatment, the dynamics of the symptoms of infection, as well as the appearance of undesirable consequences, are monitored. These can be allergic reactions in the form of urticaria or dermatitis, as well as dysbacteriosis, renal failure, cholestasis, gastritis, colitis. Instructions for use contains the entire list of side effects for each remedy. The doctor prescribes the appropriate doses and method of administration of the drug, which exclude or minimize the risk of negative effects on the patient's body.
Despite the fact that each instruction for use contains information about the indications for use and the required doses of the drug, you should not self-medicate. If you choose the wrong antimicrobial agents, the number of bacteria in the body will only increase, allergic reactions and dysbacteriosis may occur.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are multifunctional drugs that help to quickly cope with many pathogenic organisms. New generation drugs have a wide range of applications and are highly effective.

How do broad spectrum antibiotics work?

Broad Spectrum Antibiotics- effective antibacterial agents, which can be used only after consulting a doctor. Such drugs are able to quickly overcome pathogenic microorganisms, regardless of their type. The advantage of these drugs can be called the same effectiveness in the treatment of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Gram-positive organisms often cause infectious diseases. Often they cause diseases of the ears, nasopharynx and the entire respiratory system. Enterococcal or staphylococcal infections can provoke such ailments, in rare cases - listeria, clostridia or corynebacteria. Gram-negative organisms are much less common. Most often they cause deviations in the work of the intestines or the genitourinary system. Indications for the use of new generation antibiotics can be:

diagnosis of superinfections - diseases that are caused by several pathogens at once;
long-term ineffectiveness from therapy with other drugs.

The main advantage of modern antibiotics of the latest generation lies in their wide spectrum of action. Now there is no need to accurately determine the type of pathogen, it is enough to identify the clinical picture of the disease.

What are broad spectrum antibiotics?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are universal bactericidal drugs that will help get rid of many diseases. Most often they are prescribed for the treatment of various infections, the causative agent of which remains unknown. They are also prescribed if a person has become infected with a rapidly developing and dangerous virus. Such funds are indicated as a prophylaxis after major surgical interventions. Remember that not all cheap drugs are bad.

Group	A drug	Mechanism of action
Tetracyclines	Doxycycline, Tetracycline	Kills bacteria, has an antiviral effect
Levomycetin	Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin	Antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial
Semi-synthetic penicillins	Carbenicillin, Ticarcillin	Inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall of the pathogen
Cephalosporins	Ceftriaxone	Changes the activity of the virus that has entered the RNA
Rifampicins	streptomycin, amphenicols	Interferes with protein production
Carbapenems	Meropenem, Meropenem, Cyronem, Imipenem	Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, prolonged action

Modern penicillins

Antibiotics from the penicillin group are drugs based on clavulanic acid and amoxicillin. Representatives of the new, 4, 5, 6 generations can be called Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Solutab. They help to quickly cope with any infectious processes, relieve pyelonephritis, dental abscess, otitis media, sinusitis and much more.

Penicillins are effective drugs that help to quickly suppress the activity of many infections and viruses.

Typically, penicillin antibiotics are prescribed for the following diseases:

sinusitis;
whooping cough;
otitis;
angina;
bronchitis;
inflammation of the lungs.

The effect of the use of penicillin antibiotics may develop more slowly. However, they immediately stop the reproduction and growth of pathogenic bacteria in the body. Please note that such funds can be taken no more than 1 time per quarter.

Levomycetin - an indispensable broad-spectrum antibiotic

Levomycetins are popular antibiotics that help to quickly cope with infectious processes. The first representatives of this group had a rather meager spectrum of action, they got rid of only a narrow range of pathogenic organisms. With the development of medicine, such drugs have become more and more effective, their range of action has expanded.

Despite a wide spectrum of activity, antibiotics show the greatest effectiveness in the fight against gram-positive bacteria.

Modern levomycetins of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations have an extremely extensive effect. The most popular drugs are Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin and Gatifloxacin.

With their help, you will be able to quickly overcome:

gram-positive organisms: staphylococci, streptococci;
gram-negative organisms: hemophilic, Escherichia coli, Proteus, gonorrhea, Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
V nutricellular pathogens: mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella.

It should be noted that many drugs are contraindicated in children under 18 years of age. Also, with extreme caution, such drugs should be taken by the elderly, since the components of the drugs can disrupt the structure of the tendons. Be sure to keep a list of antibiotics in this group.

Rifampicin antibiotics

Rifampicin antibiotics inhibit protein synthesis in pathogenic organisms, resulting in a powerful bactericidal effect. They are most effective against sensitive microorganisms.

The first drug of this group was synthesized in the middle of the last century. Today, this tool is actively used to treat tuberculosis.

Rifampicins are a group of antibiotics that can rid a person of a tubercle bacillus.

To date, 4 generations of drugs have been developed. They have a wide spectrum of action, are quite safe and do not cause side effects. Such funds help to quickly suppress the activity of Klebsiella, Moraxella, Salmonella and other pathogenic organisms. However, they have the greatest activity against streptococci and staphylococci. Each such drug has its own characteristics, which must be taken into account during treatment.

As a rule, many people are not even aware of the existence of such a group of antibiotics as carbapenems. People usually encounter them extremely rarely, because they are used only to treat the most severe infections that threaten human life.

The most popular drugs in this group include Imipenem, Meropenem, Ertapenem, Invanz. Also this group includes Meronem, Meropenem, Cyronem. Indications for the use of such drugs are nosocomial infections, such as:

intra-abdominal infections;
abscess, pneumonia, pleural empyema;
complications of urinary tract infections;
sepsis and pelvic infections;
endocarditis;
severe wounds;
joint and bone infections;
soft tissue and skin infections.
Bacterial infections and meningitis.

It should be borne in mind that carbapenem antibiotics are administered only intravenously using a special dispenser. It is strictly forbidden to use such drugs for allergies or intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as for sensitivity to cilastatin. It is very important that during therapy the patient constantly informs his doctor about his state of health and any changes in the body.

Tetracyclines - time-tested antibiotics

Tetracycline antibiotics- drugs with a wide spectrum of action. They are based on a four-cycle system. They do not have a beta-lactam ring, due to which they are not exposed to the pathogenic influence of beta-lactamase. Such funds are prescribed for therapy:

listeria, staphylococci, streptococci, clostridia, actinomycetes;
gonorrhea, salmonella, whooping cough, syphilis, shigella, E. coli and Klebsiella.

The advantage of broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotics over analogues is their ability to penetrate deep into the cell affected by bacteria. It is for this reason that such a remedy is actively prescribed to people with chlamydia, fungal infections, and ureaplasmas. It should be noted that tetracyclines are absolutely ineffective in the fight against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most popular drugs are Doxycycline and Tetracycline.

Cephalosporins- one of the large groups of broad-spectrum antibiotics. There are 4 generations of such drugs. The first three were used only for parenteral and oral administration. They gained their popularity due to low toxicity and high efficiency. Such medicines help to cope with pneumonia, infections of the urinary tract, small pelvis, skin and soft tissues. Also, the funds are effective in the fight against STDs.

These antibiotics are available in tablet form. The medicine must be taken strictly with meals, and it is necessary to drink plenty of clean water. For the entire course of treatment, try to strictly observe the regimen of the day. It is strictly forbidden to skip taking pills. Treatment is not completed after the first signs of relief. Popular drugs in this group are Cefixime, Ceftibuten, Cefuroxime. They are quite inexpensive.

Antibiotics for children

A special group of new generation antibiotics are children's drugs. They are prescribed only after 3 days of treatment with antiviral drugs have not brought any effect. Remember that only the attending physician can prescribe such funds. Among the safest children's antibiotics of the latest generation are:

Children are allowed to use many antibiotics, but the dose of the active substance for them should be less than for adults. The advantage is that they are also available as oral suspensions and ampoules for intramuscular use.

Treatment of bacterial infections today is impossible without the use of antibiotics. Microorganisms tend to acquire resistance to chemical compounds over time, and older drugs are often ineffective. Therefore, pharmaceutical laboratories are constantly looking for new formulas. In many cases, infectious disease specialists prefer to use a new generation of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the list of which includes drugs with different active ingredients.

The principle of action of drugs

Antibiotics only act on bacterial cells and cannot kill viral particles.

According to the spectrum of action, these drugs are divided into two large groups:

narrowly focused, coping with a limited number of pathogens;
broad spectrum of action, fighting different groups of pathogens.

In the case when the pathogen is known exactly, antibiotics of the first group can be used. If the infection is of a complex combined nature, or the pathogen is not detected by laboratory tests, drugs of the second group are used.

According to the principle of action, antibiotics can also be divided into two groups:

bactericides - drugs that kill bacterial cells;
bacteriostatics - drugs that stop the reproduction of microorganisms, but are not able to kill them.

Bacteriostatics are safer for the body, therefore, in mild forms of infections, preference is given to this particular group of antibiotics. They allow you to temporarily restrain the growth of bacteria and wait for their independent death. Severe infections are treated with bactericidal drugs.

List of new generation broad spectrum antibiotics

The division of antibiotics into generations is heterogeneous. So, for example, cephalosporin drugs and fluoroquinolones are divided into 4 generations, macrolides and aminoglycosides - into 3:

Drug group	Generations of drugs	Drug names
Cephalosporins	I	"Cefazolin" "Cephalexin"
	II	"Cefuroxime" "Cefaclor"
	III	Cefotaxime "Cefixime"
	IV	"Cefepim" "Cefpir"
macrolides	I	"Erythromycin"
	II	"Flurithromycin" "Clarithromycin" "Roxithromycin" "Midecamycin"
	III	"Azithromycin"
Fluoroquinolones	I	Oxolinic acid
	II	Ofloxacin
	III	"Levofloxacin"
	IV	"Moxifloxacin" "Gemifloxacin" "Gatifloxacin"
Aminoglycosides	I	"Streptomycin"
	II	"Gentamicin"
	III	"Amicin" "Netilmicin" "Framycetin"

Unlike older drugs, new generation antibiotics affect the beneficial flora much less, are absorbed faster, and have a less toxic effect on the liver. They are able to quickly accumulate the active substance in the tissues, due to which the frequency of receptions is reduced, and the intervals between them increase.

What drugs to take depending on the disease?

Often the same broad-spectrum drug is prescribed for different diseases. But this does not mean that you can do without preliminary diagnosis. Only the correct diagnosis allows you to adequately choose an antibiotic.

Bronchitis treatment

Bronchitis is a common infectious and inflammatory disease that can lead to severe complications. For the treatment of bronchitis, the following drugs can be prescribed:

Name of the drug		Contraindications	Dosage
"Sumamed"		age up to 6 months;	Children over 3 years old - 2 tablets of 125 mg per day. Children under 3 years old - 2.5 to 5 ml of suspension per day.
"Avelox"	A group of fluoroquinolones, the active substance is Moxifloxacin.	pregnancy and lactation; age up to 18 years; heart rhythm disturbances; severe liver disease.	1 tablet 400 mg per day
"Gatispan"	A group of fluoroquinolones, the active substance is Gatifloxacin.	pregnancy and lactation; age up to 18 years; diabetes; heart rhythm disturbances; convulsions.	1 tablet 400 mg per day
"Flemoxin Solutab"		lymphocytic leukemia; pathology of the gastrointestinal tract; pregnancy and lactation; Infectious mononucleosis.

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Simultaneously with antibiotics in the treatment of bronchitis, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

With pneumonia

Pneumonia should never be treated on its own at home. This disease requires mandatory hospitalization and serious therapy with intramuscular or intravenous antibiotics.

For the treatment of pneumonia in a hospital, the following drugs for injection can be used:

"Ticarcillin";
"Carbenicillin";
"Cefepim";
"Meropenem".

In some cases, antibiotics are also prescribed in tablets. These can be drugs:

"Tigeron";
"Gatispan";
"Sumamed";
"Avelox".

The dosage and frequency of administration in this case is determined individually, based on the patient's condition and therapeutic strategy.

Antibiotics for sinusitis

The decision to prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of sinusitis is made by the ENT doctor. Therapy with these drugs is carried out without fail if purulent discharge from the sinuses and intense headaches are observed:

Name of the drug	Group and active substance	Contraindications	Dosage
AzitRus	A group of macrolides, the active substance is Azithromycin.	severe liver dysfunction; age up to 3 years; individual intolerance.	Adults and children over 12 years old - 1 capsule or tablet 500 mg per day. Children over 3 years old - 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.
"Faktiv"	A group of fluoroquinolones, the active substance is Gemifloxacin.	pregnancy and lactation; age up to 18 years; heart rhythm disturbances; severe liver disease.	1 tablet 320 mg per day
"Flemoklav Solutab"	The penicillin group, the active substance is Amoxicillin.	lymphocytic leukemia; pathology of the gastrointestinal tract; pregnancy and lactation; age up to 3 years; Infectious mononucleosis.	Adults and children over 12 years old - 1 tablet 500 mg 3 times a day. Children under 12 years old - 25 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Before prescribing antibiotics, the ENT doctor usually gives a referral for a bacterial culture and an antibiogram to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to a particular active substance.

With angina

Angina in everyday life is called acute tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria. The bacterial form of angina is caused by streptococci or staphylococci, and this disease can only be treated with antibiotics:

Name of the drug	Group and active substance	Contraindications	Dosage
"Macropen"	A group of macrolides, the active substance is Midecamycin.	liver disease; age up to 3 years; individual intolerance.	Adults and children weighing over 30 kg - 1 tablet 400 mg 3 times a day.
"Rulid"	A group of macrolides, the active substance is Roxithromycin.	age up to 2 months; pregnancy and lactation.	Adults and children weighing over 40 kg - 2 tablets of 150 mg 1-2 times a day. In other cases, the dosage is calculated individually.
"Flemoxin Solutab"	The penicillin group, the active substance is Amoxicillin.	lymphocytic leukemia; pathology of the gastrointestinal tract; pregnancy and lactation; Infectious mononucleosis.	Adults - 1 tablet 500 mg 2 times a day. Children over 10 years old - 2 tablets of 250 mg 2 times a day. Children over 3 years old - 1 tablet 250 mg 3 times a day. Children under 3 years old - 1 tablet 125 mg 3 times a day.

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It is important to understand that if acute tonsillitis is not bacterial, but viral in nature, it is useless to treat it with antibiotics. Only a doctor can distinguish between these two forms of the disease, so you should not take any drugs without his advice.

Colds and flu

Respiratory infections, which in everyday life are called colds, as well as the flu, are caused by viruses. Therefore, antibiotics in their treatment are used only in one case: if the disease becomes complicated and a bacterial infection joins the viral infection.

In such situations, therapy is usually started with penicillin antibiotics:

"Flemoxin Solutab";
"Flemoklav Solutab".

If after 72 hours after the start of taking these drugs there is no improvement, new generation macrolides are connected to therapy:

"Sumamed";
"Rulid";
AzitRus.

The regimen for taking antibiotics in the treatment of respiratory infections is standard, but medical supervision is also necessary in this case.

Urinary tract infections

Genitourinary infections can be caused by pathogens of different nature - viruses, fungi, bacteria, protozoa. Therefore, it makes sense to start treatment only after a thorough laboratory diagnosis and determination of the type of pathogen.

In mild cases, you can remove the infection from the urinary tract using the following drugs:

"Furadonin" - 2 mg per 1 kg of weight 3 times a day;
"Furazolidone" - 2 tablets of 0.05 g 4 times a day;
"Palin" - 1 capsule 2 times a day.

In more complex situations, when pathogens are highly resistant (resistance) to chemical attack, broad-spectrum antibiotics can be prescribed:

Name of the drug	Group and active substance	Contraindications	Dosage
"Abaktal"	A group of fluoroquinolones, the active substance is Pefloxacin.	pregnancy and lactation; age up to 18 years; hemolytic anemia; individual intolerance.	1 tablet 400 mg 1-2 times a day.
Monural	A derivative of phosphonic acid, the active substance is Fosfomycin.	age up to 5 years; individual intolerance; severe renal failure.	Single dose - dissolve 3 g of powder in 50 g of water and take on an empty stomach before bedtime.
"Cefixime"	A group of cephalosporins, the active substance is Cefixime.	individual intolerance.	Adults and children over 12 years old - 1 tablet 400 mg 1 time per day. Children under 12 years old - 8 mg per 1 kg of body weight 1 time per day.

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Simultaneously with antibiotics in the treatment of genitourinary infections, plenty of fluids and diuretic drugs are prescribed. In severe cases, injections of the drug Amikacin are advisable.

Antifungal drugs

For the treatment of fungal infections, drugs with fungistatic or fungicidal action are used. They differ from the drugs listed above and stand out in a separate class, within which there are three groups:

As in the treatment of bacterial infections, the treatment of fungal diseases requires accurate diagnosis of the pathogen and strict control by a specialist.

For eye disease

Antibiotics for the treatment of eye diseases are available in the form of ointments or drops. They are prescribed if the ophthalmologist has diagnosed conjunctivitis, blepharitis, meibomitis, keratitis and a number of other infections.

Most often, therapy is carried out using the following drugs:

"Tsipromed" - drops containing Ciprofloxacin;
"Albucid" - drops with sulfacetamide;
"Dilaterol" - drops based on tobramycin;
"Tobrex" - an analogue of "Dilaterol" in the form of an ointment;
"Kolbiocin" is a multicomponent ointment containing tetracycline, chloramphenicol and sodium colistimethate.

A specific drug is prescribed based on the diagnosis, the severity of the course of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Inexpensive new generation antibiotics

The cost of new generation antibiotics is never low, so you can save money only by buying inexpensive analogues. They are produced on the basis of the same active ingredients, however, the degree of chemical purification of such drugs may be lower, and the cheapest excipients are taken for their production.

You can replace some expensive antibiotics based on the following table:

Another way to save money is to buy older antibiotics, not the latest generation.

For example, in many cases, such proven antibacterial drugs can help out:

"Erythromycin";
"Ceftriaxone";
"Bicillin";
"Cefazolin";
"Ampicillin".

If more than 72 hours have passed since the start of treatment with inexpensive antibiotics, and there is no improvement in the condition, it is urgent to consult a doctor and change the drug.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

Antibiotics during pregnancy are prescribed by doctors only in emergency cases and after a thorough analysis of the possible risks.

But even in such situations, drugs of the following groups are not used:

all fluoroquinolones;
macrolides based on roxithromycin, clarithromycin, midecamycin;
all aminoglycosides.

Only the attending physician can decide on the advisability of prescribing antibiotics during pregnancy. Self-administration of any drugs, even relatively safe and related to the new generation, is strictly prohibited.

As you know, bacteria were the first to colonize the Earth. There are millions of them, they are everywhere: in water, air, soil, inside and around each of us. “Good bacteria” help us, but “bad” bacteria often cause quite serious diseases. Today, everyone, even far from medicine, a person has very specific ideas about antibiotics, and is guided by at least a few names of drugs. The term “broad-spectrum antibiotics” is also heard. Let's figure out what it is and start from the very beginning.

A bit of history

The first antibiotic was obtained in 1928 by the Englishman Alexander Fleming. It was "Penicillin", but it turned out to be rapidly collapsing, and did not even pass the expert commission in the medical club. Only 10 years later, the Americans Howard Flory and Ernst Chain singled out the antibiotic as a separate environmentally resistant species, and immediately tested it on the wounded in hospitals of the Second World War.

Starting in 1943, penicillin was launched into mass production, and two years later Flory and Chain were awarded the Nobel Prize.

Antibiotics are a group of substances (semi-synthetic, animal or vegetable) that can destroy bacteria, microorganisms, fungi.

Antibiotics are conventionally divided into bactericidal and bacteriostatic. The former are guys of a lethal disposition, they immediately destroy the pest without unnecessary lyrics, the latter are intellectuals, they have a scientific and long-term approach - they block the enemy's ability to reproduce.

Some antibiotics are more effective against one type of bacteria, others against another. But there are such “fighters” for our health who are able to destroy completely different microbes. These are the same broad-spectrum antibiotics.

It is not always clear which bacteria, fungi or opportunistic flora caused the disease, and there is no time for laboratory tests: the child needs urgent help. In such cases, doctors prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics. For example, with meningitis in a toddler, the issue of life and death can be resolved in a matter of hours, and laboratory samples will be ready only after 2-3 days. While doctors are figuring out what caused a serious illness in a baby, broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately come out to fight unknown pests.

Types of broad spectrum antibiotics

Penicillins

They have mainly bactericidal action. They destroy the cell walls of bacteria. Effectively and quickly destroy staphylococci, pathogens of gonorrhea, E. coli, salmonella, whooping cough. The most notable representatives of the series are Amoxicillin and Ampicillin.

Cephalosporins

These antibiotics from the previous group are more resistant to those enzymes that microbes produce in their defense. Where the penicillin fighter dies, the cephalosporin fighter will survive and finish the job. The most famous antibiotics of a number that are used in pediatrics are Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, Cefalexin, etc.

Carbapenems

These are relatively new antibiotics. Such drugs are used mainly in severe conditions, nosocomial infections. In ordinary life, we rarely meet these names. And this is good. But in fairness, I will name carbapanem antibiotics by their names: "Meropenem", "Ertapenem", etc.

Tetracyclines

These antibiotics do an excellent job with various bacteria and even with some simple organisms. But against mold fungi and acid-fast bacteria - not warriors. The most famous representatives of this series are Tetracycline and Doxycycline.

Monobactams

These antibiotics have a rather narrow profile. They are usually thrown to fight gram-negative pests - for skin infections, soft tissue, musculoskeletal system, as well as sespis. The most famous representative of the group used in pediatrics is Aztreonam.

Aminoglycosides

These "universal soldiers" are resistant not only to different types of bacteria, but also to other antibiotics. You probably know their names - "Streptomycin", "Gentamicin".

Amphelicols

Broad-spectrum antibiotics (ASSD) on the pharmacy counter have several pharmacological forms:

drops;
powders for suspensions;
pills;
dry matter for injections - intramuscular and intravenous injections.

But in the form of suppositories and in syrup, there are no antibiotics.

Benefit or harm?

There are definitely advantages: broad-spectrum antibiotics quickly penetrate the tissues of the body and accumulate where they are most needed - at the site of the infection. Compared to other antibiotics (narrow focus), they are safer, less likely to cause allergic reactions. Manufacturers claim that they should not be taken simultaneously with means for the prevention of dysbacteriosis, although this point is in doubt. And finally, broad-spectrum antibiotics are quite compatible with other drugs.

But any, even a low-toxic antibiotic of the latest generation, does not have intelligence and a “friend or foe” recognition system, and therefore effectively destroy both harmful and beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, a rare course of antibiotic treatment does not end with dysbacteriosis or thrush (in girls).

And also any antibiotic weakens the human immune system. Think for yourself, why should the immune system try and fight the infection if “stray guys” will quickly do everything for it?

Well, another fly in the ointment. Bacteria do not doze off, and do not give up without a fight, and therefore their resistance to antibiotics is constantly increasing. The more often a person uses antibiotics, the more resistant the pathogens become. Recently, Russians have been eating antibiotics with or without reason, so often and completely uncontrollably, that scientists and the Ministry of Health have sounded the alarm. And now, more precisely from January 1, 2017, all antibiotics in Russian pharmacies without exception are sold strictly according to prescriptions. This is a forced measure that will not allow bacteria with their significantly increased resistance to win this war for the life of mankind.

Terms of appointment

Consider situations in which a doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics for a child. Contrary to popular belief that influenza and ARVI are easy to defeat thanks to antibiotics (so, according to VTsIOM, 46% of Russians believe), in the case of diseases caused by viruses, antibiotics are just completely powerless. These ailments need to be treated with antiviral drugs.

And “universal” antibiotics will be prescribed for your child in the following cases:

High body temperature of more than 39 degrees (more than 38 degrees - for babies under one year old), caused by a bacterial infection,
Bronchitis,
Otitis,
sinusitis,
Angina,
Tonsillitis and paratonsillitis,
Whooping cough,
Pneumonia,
Meningitis,
severe intestinal infection
Postoperative period (for prevention).

I emphasize once again that with influenza, SARS, chickenpox, measles and hepatitis, as well as rubella and herpes, antibiotics are not prescribed. The exception is cases if a bacterial infection has joined a viral infection in a child, usually it becomes clear 4-5 days after the onset of the disease.

If the child, despite the prescribed antiviral treatment, does not get better, one can suspect that bacteria are to blame. This must be confirmed by doctors by taking blood from the baby and smears for analysis.

List of the most common drugs

Amoxicillin

An antibiotic of the penicillin group that successfully defeats staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli. But some bacteria secrete a special enzyme that destroys the antibiotic. This drug may be prescribed to your child for colds, pharyngitis, tracheitis, pneumonia. Angina and otitis media, cystitis and pyelonephritis will not resist him. And also this antibiotic is widely used to treat dysentery and salmonellosis. It is contraindicated in children with allergies to flowering (hay fever) and liver failure. All forms of this medicine are taken exclusively by mouth. For children from birth to 4 years - 5 years - it is preferable to give an antibiotic in suspension. The dosage and regimen are prescribed by the doctor, based on the age and weight of the baby, as well as the severity of the tiny disease. The initial price of the medicine in pharmacies is from 70 rubles.

Augmentin

This is the same "Amoxicillin", only reinforced with clavulanic acid, which protects the antibiotic from enzymes produced by bacteria that are harmful to it. The antibiotic is available in powder for suspension and powder for injection. The tablet form is intended for adults. Approved for use even by newborns, however, in a dosage determined by the doctor and exclusively for vital indications. For babies from 2 months, the dosage is calculated based on body weight. Babies aged 2 to 3 years are given 5-7 ml (depending on the severity of the disease), from 3 years to 7 years - 5-10 ml, children aged 7 to 12 years - a single dose of 10-20 ml (depending on the severity of the diagnosis). The cost of the drug in pharmacies starts from 150 rubles for a suspension and 260 rubles for tablets.

Amoxiclav

This is another follower of Amoxicillin, also fortified with clavulanic acid. According to parents and doctors, this is a very good children's antibiotic, which the baby drinks easily (in the form of a suspension), and helps quite quickly. Also the drug is approved for use by children under 1 year. The price of the drug is from 360 rubles for tablets, from 400 rubles for soluble tablets and from 150 rubles for a powder for diluting a suspension.

Zinacef

This is a cephalosporin antibiotic, a second-generation drug. It is very effective in respiratory infections (bronchitis, lung abscess, pneumonia), has proven itself as a remedy for the treatment of otitis, tonsillitis, furunculosis, meningitis, as well as joint diseases, including after injuries and surgical operations. Release form - powder for injection. The pediatric dosage should be calculated by the doctor, based on the age and weight of the patient. Approved for use in children under 1 year of age for special indications. Price in pharmacies - from 200 rubles per bottle.

Among people who encounter medicine exclusively in the role of patients, there is a widespread misconception that antibiotics are a panacea for colds, and if you are very unwell, you cannot do without them. This is not entirely true. Indeed, antibiotics are powerful drugs that can effectively eliminate the growth in the number of pathogens, but in most cases of colds they are useless.

The strongest antibiotics

The concept of "strong antibiotic" is more complicated than it seems at first glance. The fact is that antibiotics are classified into groups depending on their chemical structure. Among this group of drugs, there are both drugs synthesized in laboratories and those obtained from natural raw materials, but the most common intermediate option is a natural substance stabilized by laboratory methods.

Each of these substances is effective against a certain number of bacteria. The most powerful antibiotics are broad-spectrum drugs that are effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria at the same time. However, the use of such drugs is far from always justified - as a rule, broad-spectrum antibiotics are highly toxic to the body and negatively affect its microflora.

The most powerful antibiotic in the world is Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin drug. Its high efficiency is ensured not only due to the wide range of pathogens that the substance acts on, but also due to the novelty of the compound. It is administered in injections, because. it is produced in the form of an active substance for dilution.

The fact is that bacteria are rapidly mutating creatures that can change the configuration of organisms of subsequent generations in such a way that drugs lose their effectiveness in combating such mutated bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics with the latest structure will always be more effective than previous drugs, with rare exceptions.

Strong antibiotics for colds

Treatment is justified only if, after a viral infection, the patient has developed a bacterial complication of the disease. This often happens due to a decrease in immunity. A viral infection weakens the body and makes it more susceptible to infection, and even a small strain of the pathogen becomes enough to infect bacteria.

Often in such situations, even the strongest antibiotic may not help the patient recover, because. it is necessary to carry out antiviral therapy in addition to it. Antibiotics do not help in the case of an uncomplicated viral infection. If ARVI was diagnosed, i.e. the so-called "cold", then the treatment is symptomatic.

Viruses, unlike bacteria, do not have specific treatments. The engine of the healing process is the power of the human natural immune system. Therefore, when treating viral infections, it is important to stay at home, stay in bed and avoid potential situations of infection, i.e. public places.

Antibiotics in tablets

The strongest antibiotics in tablets can belong to different groups of drugs. Tablets, i.e. oral form of the drug, are the most convenient for use. They do not require sterility and special skills; the patient can take them on their own while on an outpatient basis. However, they can not always be used, for example, it is undesirable to take pills for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

We list some of the strongest today:

Avelox;
Cefixime;
Amoxiclav;
Rulid;
Unidox Solutab;
Sumamed.

When choosing a medicine, you should not be guided only by the well-known name of the antibiotic. The selection of tablets should be done by a doctor, based on the results of the analysis, the patient's condition, the susceptibility of a particular antibiotic strain to a particular drug, as well as other indicators.

Consider the main groups of the latest antibiotics, which are more widely used than all the previous ones, due to their high rates.

Cephalosporin antibiotics are the most powerful broad-spectrum drugs. These medicines have gone through several generations during their development:

I generation. Cefazolin, Cefadroxil, Cefalexin - drugs that work against staphylococci.
II generation. Cefaclor, Cefuroxime, Cefamandol are drugs that can eliminate Escherichia and Haemophilus influenzae.
III generation. Ceftibuten, Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone - are used in the treatment of pneumonia and infections of the pelvic organs, incl. pyelonephritis.
IV generation. Cefepime. An effective, but toxic drug from the entire group. Cefepime-based drugs may have side effects such as nephrotoxicity, i.e. a negative effect on the kidneys, which can lead to a decrease in their function up to failure.

In general, cephalosporins are one of the safest antibiotics with minimal side effects, but they are still serious drugs that, without proper attention to the rules for their use, can harm rather than benefit health.

macrolides

These drugs are prescribed for damage to the body associated with gram-positive bacteria. They are also considered broad-spectrum antibiotics because within the group of Gram-positive bacteria, they are effective against several groups of pathogens.

We list the popular drugs of the group:

Azithromycin;
Josamycin;
Oleandomycin;
Erythromycin.

Macrolides act bacteriostatically, i.e. stop the reproduction of bacteria, allowing the natural forces of the body to destroy pathogens. This principle of action is the least toxic for humans and their normal microflora, and at the same time highly effective. Macrolides are uncharacteristic of the disadvantages of relatively low concentrations in tissues. The drug accumulates quickly and is retained in the cells for a long time, which allows you to use the minimum effective dose, avoiding intoxication of the body.

Fluoroquinolones

- antibiotics, the positive feature of which is the rapid permeability in the tissue and prolonged high concentration in the body. They are represented by two generations of substances:

I generation. Effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria.
II generation. Second-generation fluoroquinolones are also effective against many Gram-negative bacteria, but are not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Doctors prescribe drugs of this group for a wide variety of infectious diseases: chlamydia, tuberculosis, purulent tissue lesions, etc.

Penicillins

Penicillins are the earliest anti-bacterial drugs discovered by mankind. Penicillins are recognized as the most powerful - they have great power in the fight against pathogens and act on a wide range of bacteria. These drugs are well excreted, and therefore are considered to be of low toxicity. However, today, despite the fact that these are very strong antibiotics, many bacteria have learned to produce an enzyme - penicillase, as a result of which the drugs of this group do not work on them.

Common drugs in this group are:

Amoxicillin;
Ampiox;
Oxacillin;
Ampicillin.

Some doctors still use this group of drugs in their daily practice, but most doctors are inclined to believe that it makes no sense to prescribe penicillins now when there are drugs that are much less toxic to the patient. The spread of penicillins in our country is due to two factors: the "old school" of doctors who are not accustomed to trusting new drugs, and the low cost of penicillins compared to modern groups of drugs.

Thus, today's pharmaceutical market offers several options for groups of powerful antibiotics. Each of them, to a greater or lesser extent, covers a wide range of bacteria against which it has an effect.

In order for the treatment to be safe and effective, the patient undergoes a PCR test, during which the laboratory assistants will empirically find out which group of drugs is best suited for treatment.

With a cold, it is unreasonable to use broad-spectrum drugs, as a rule, they are too toxic. Such drugs are necessary for complex bacterial lesions, when two or more types of bacteria act simultaneously.