What Are The Type Of Oral Antibiotics Available?

The most common antibiotics are tetracyline,doxycycline, minocyline, erythromycin and cotrimoxazole. Oral antibiotic can change the normal bacterial flora of women vagina which leads to an overgrowth of the superficial fungus Candida. Women in this condition will discharge a white vaginal fluid for several days to weeks after starting the therapy.

Tetracyline has been proven safe and effective in treating inflammatory acne. The initial dosage prescribed is usually 500 mg for twice a day.This dosage will be maintained for about six weeks by which a significant improvement can be seen. Thereafter a lower dosage is prescribed. As tetracyline absorption is affected by the presence of food and dairy products, it must be taken on an empty stomach or at least one hour before meals.

The side effects of taking tetracyline includes mild gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomitting. It can also cause discolouration of teeth in children and should not be used during pregnancy.

Doxycyline can be taken with meals as its absorption is not affected by the presence of food. The initial dosage is usually 100 mg for twice a day, taken after meals with water to reduce gastric problem. It also causes a photosensitive rash that is worsen by sun exposure.

Minocycline is a newer version of tetracycline that can be taken together with food. The initial dosage is 50 mg for twice a day. Its side efffects includes dizziness,nausea and a bluish pigmentation of the skin.

Erythromycin is an alternative to acne sufferers who are allergy to tetracycline and for pregnant women. It is as effective as tetracycline. The initial prescribed dosage is usually 500 mg for twice a day. Its side effects include gastrointestinal problem, diarrhea, vomiting and farting. If you are taking carbamazepine to treat epilepsy or theophylline for asthma, you should inform your doctor as these medications might react with erythromycin.

When the above oral antibiotics cannot be taken, it is time to try cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim / sulphamethoxazole). However, cotrimoxazole can cause severe skin rashes. The usual dosage is two tablets for twice a day. Look out for skin rashes or mouth ulcers when you take cotrimoxazole for the first few weeks.