In contrast to narrow-spectrum antibiotics that are active only against certain groups of bacterial types, broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacterial infections.
In general, broad-spectrum antibiotics have high antibacterial activity not only against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, but also against other microorganisms that cause superinfections.
Some lists of broad-spectrum antibiotics include antibiotic agents as follows:
- penicillins (amoxicillin, oxacillin, ampicillin)
- cephalosporins (cefixime, cefpodoxime, cefepime)
- fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin)
- aminoglycosides (gentamicin, streptomycin, neomycin)
- tetracyclines (oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline)
Uncomplicated UTIs (including acute cystitis) are some of the most frequently occurring infections in adults. Most commonly broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed to treat UTIs, are fluoroquinolones and fosfomycin.
The mechanism action of these antibacterial agents is based on suppression of process of growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. Common side effects caused by the use of fluoroquinolones and fosfomycin include nausea, diarrhea, and mild stomach pain. Herewith, these reactions are mild and eventually disappear.
When choosing an antibiotic for UTI treatment, pay attention to such criteria as spectrum of activity against suspected uropathogens, safety profile, pharmacokinetics of the drug and severity of infectious diseases.
Commonly, the duration of UTI treatment with such broad-spectrum antibiotics as amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin makes about 3 days, but with antibiotic agent fosfomycin – 1 day.
One of the most common causative agents of infectious diseases of the respiratory system is Chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes lower respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia) both in children and in adults.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics of first line used to treat pneumonia are penicillins (for example, amoxicillin, augmentin). If the patient suffers from allergy to penicillins, treatment of respiratory infections can be conducted with erythromycin or azithromycin (macrolide antibiotics).
Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Antibiotics of tetracycline group are effective in treatment of Lyme Disease, upper respiratory tract infections (sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis), mild acne, UTIs, sexually transmitted diseases.
Note that tetracyclines can be prescribed to treat a number of infection types caused by bacteria and protozoa in dogs and cats. To treat and control periodontal disease in pets, Doxycycline (for example, Doxirobe, Heska) can be used. For treatment of bacterial pneumonia, bacterial enteritis, UTI and wound infections in cats and dogs, Terramycin capsules or Terramycin ointment is used.
Cephalosporins are a large group of antibiotics used both in animals and in humans, since they are well tolerated and have a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.
Cephalosporins can be administered orally or by injection and are effective in treating staph infections and various types of skin infections in children and adults. Often, broad-spectrum antibiotics of cephalosporin group are used to prevent bacterial infections after surgical procedures.
For treatment of skin infections, wounds and abscesses in dogs and cats, cephalosporin Cefpodoxime (Simplicef) can be used, but for antibiotic therapy of superficial bacterial pyoderma – cephalosporin Cephalexin (Rilexine).
Broad-spectrum antibiotics of aminoglycoside group are prescribed if other antibiotics are ineffective. Aminoglycosides are active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, aerobic gram-negative bacilli and staphylococci.
If you have been prescribed with antibiotics, but they are very expensive in your region, you can find cheap broad-spectrum antibiotics on online pharmacies. To purchase broad-spectrum antibiotics online, you do not need a prescription, so you can order a drug for treatment of bacterial infection in just a few minutes.