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how many kinds of antibiotics are there

by Prof. Sharon Koss V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but most of them can be classified into 6 groups. Other antibiotics include chloramphenicol (used for eye and ear infections), fusidic acid (used for skin and eye infections), and nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim (used for urinary tract infections).

Full Answer

What are the 7 main types of antibiotics?

In this portal, antibiotics are classified into one of the following classes: penicillins, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, macrolides, beta-lactams with increased activity (e.g. amoxicillin-clavulanate), tetracyclines, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, lincosamides (e.g. clindamycin), urinary anti-infectives, and other ...

What are the 10 types of antibiotics?

Top 10 List of Antibiotic Classes (Types of Antibiotics)Penicillins.Tetracyclines.Cephalosporins.Quinolones.Lincomycins.Macrolides.Sulfonamides.Glycopeptides.More items...•

What is the strongest antibiotic for infection?

Vancomycin, long considered a "drug of last resort," kills by preventing bacteria from building cell walls. It binds to wall-building protein fragments called peptides, in particular those that end with two copies of the amino acid D-alanine (D-ala).

What are the 4 types of antibiotics?

The main types of antibiotics include:Penicillins - for example, phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin and amoxicillin.Cephalosporins - for example, cefaclor, cefadroxil and cefalexin.Tetracyclines - for example, tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.Aminoglycosides - for example, gentamicin and tobramycin.More items...•

What is the most used antibiotic?

Penicillin is the most widely prescribed of all antibiotics, usually in the form of amoxicillin.

What is the safest antibiotic?

Saving Lives, Yet Not Without Risk Penicillins are the oldest of the antibiotics and are generally safe (but they can cause side effects such as diarrhea, skin rash, fever and more).

What antibiotic kills a bacterial infection?

A bactericidal antibiotic, such as penicillin, kills the bacteria. These drugs usually interfere with either the formation of the bacterial cell wall or its cell contents. A bacteriostatic stops bacteria from multiplying.

What are high end antibiotics?

In the initial assessment, the high-end antibiotic usage was justified in 77.1% which improved to 88.3% post-intervention [Figure 2]....Table 1.AntibioticsFrequency (%)Vancomycin21.4521.17Colistin12.5311.72Linezolid5.543.6010 more rows•Oct 31, 2019

Can you take 2 different antibiotics at the same time?

You might think that combining two antibiotics would be a great strategy to take down a nasty disease fast. Think again. A new study suggests that such a two-pronged attack can backfire badly by giving super-resistant bacteria the opportunity they need to come out on top in the struggle for resources.

What antibiotics treat UTI?

Medicines commonly used for simple UTI s include:Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS)Fosfomycin (Monurol)Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, Furadantin)Cephalexin.Ceftriaxone.

What is the best antibiotic for viral infection?

The drugs used for viral infection are Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are effective against herpesvirus, including herpes zoster and herpes genitalis. Drugs used for treatment for viral fever are Acetaminophen(Tylenolothers)ibuprofen (Advil,motrin IB others).

What is a common antibiotic?

Penicillins. Penicillins are a common treatment for a variety of skin conditions. They also treat middle ear, kidney, and blood infections. Penicillin antibiotics are effective at killing Staphylococci and Streptococci infections. But some bacteria are resistant to penicillin, due to overuse.

What is the strongest antibiotic for a UTI?

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin) Healthcare providers usually save these antibiotics for more complicated or severe types of UTIs.

What are the names of all antibiotics?

Here are some types of antibiotics that doctors prescribe most often.Penicillins. Penicillins are a common treatment for a variety of skin conditions. ... Cephalosporins. Cephalosporins often treat gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sinusitis. ... Tetracyclines. ... Macrolides. ... Fluoroquinolones. ... Sulfonamides. ... Glycopeptides.

What are common antibiotics?

Here is a look at common antibiotic names and the types of antibiotics your doctor may prescribe.Penicillins. The first penicillin gave rise to an entire class of antibiotics known as penicillins. ... Cephalosporins. ... Macrolides. ... Fluoroquinolones (broad-spectrum antibiotics) ... Sulfonamides. ... Tetracycline. ... Other Types of Antibiotics.

What are high end antibiotics?

In the initial assessment, the high-end antibiotic usage was justified in 77.1% which improved to 88.3% post-intervention [Figure 2]....Table 1.AntibioticsFrequency (%)Vancomycin21.4521.17Colistin12.5311.72Linezolid5.543.6010 more rows•Oct 31, 2019

When Not to Use Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not the correct choice for all infections. For example, most sore throats, cough and colds, flu or acute sinusitis are viral in ori...

Top 10 List of Common Infections Treated With Antibiotics

1. Acne 2. Bronchitis 3. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) 4. Otitis Media (Ear Infection) 5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) 6. Skin or Soft Tissue...

Top 10 List of Generic Antibiotics

1. amoxicillin 2. doxycycline 3. cephalexin 4. ciprofloxacin 5. clindamycin 6. metronidazole 7. azithromycin 8. sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 9. am...

Top 10 List of Brand Name Antibiotics

1. Augmentin 2. Flagyl, Flagyl ER 3. Amoxil 4. Cipro 5. Keflex 6. Bactrim, Bactrim DS 7. Levaquin 8. Zithromax 9. Avelox 10. Cleocin

Top 10 List of Antibiotic Classes (Types of Antibiotics)

1. Penicillins 2. Tetracyclines 3. Cephalosporins 4. Quinolones 5. Lincomycins 6. Macrolides 7. Sulfonamides 8. Glycopeptides 9. Aminoglycosides 10...

Are There Any Over-The-Counter Antibiotics?

Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antibiotics are not approved in the U.S. A bacterial infection is best treated with a prescription antibiotic that is s...

Need-To-Know: Trending Antibiotic Articles

Patients frequently have questions about specific topics with antibiotics. Here are some articles that address common questions you may have about...

What is the highest division between antibiotics?

The following is a list of antibiotics. The highest division between antibiotics is bactericidal and bacteriostatic. Bactericidals kill bacteria directly, whereas bacteriostatics prevent them from dividing.

What is the same action as beta-lactam antibiotics?

Same mode of action as other beta-lactam antibiotics: disrupt the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls . Same mode of action as other beta-lactam antibiotics: disrupt the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls . Inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis.

Is ceftazidime a third generation agent?

Ceftazidime (Unlike most third-generation agents, ceftazidime is active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but less active against Staphylococci and Streptococci compare to other 3rd generation of cephalosporins) Fortaz, Ceptaz. Ceftibuten. Cedax.

Is tetracycline effective against gram positive bacteria?

Effective for gram-positive, gram-negative, anaerobic, and against multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and Acinetobacter baumannii ), but not effective for Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. Teeth discoloration and same side effects as tetracycline.

How many antibiotics are there for bacterial infections?

People died from illnesses and injuries that are highly curable today. Now, there are more than 100 antibiotics to fight the war against bacterial infections. Here is a look at common antibiotic names and the types of antibiotics your doctor may prescribe.

What antibiotics do doctors use?

Others just don’t fit into the main groups, but are very useful. This includes antibiotics like clindamycin, metronidazole (Flagyl) and nitrofurantoin ( Furadantin, Macrodantin).

What is the name of the antibiotic that is derived from mold?

Here is a look at common antibiotic names and the types of antibiotics your doctor may prescribe. The first penicillin gave rise to an entire class of antibiotics known as penicillins. Penicillins are derived from a specific mold (a type of fungi)— Penicillium.

What is the name of the bacteria that produces antibiotics?

These antibiotics come from a species of bacteria called Streptomyces. It seems odd that a bacterium could produce an antibiotic that kills other bacteria, but it’s true. Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic, like the sulfonamides. They treat various infections, such as respiratory, skin and genital infections.

Is cephalosporin a penicillin?

Cephalosporins are related to penicillins. They both belong to a larger class called beta lactams. Like penicillins, cephalosporins originally came from a fungus—C ephalosporium. There are five generations of cephalosporins. Each generation covers different types of bacteria. As a result, the class can treat a variety of infections, from strep throat and skin infections to very serious infections like meningitis. Because they are related to penicillins, some people with penicillin allergies may also react to cephalosporins. Other common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and abdominal pain. Examples of cephalosporins include:

How can I prevent antibiotic resistance?

To prevent antibiotic resistance, avoid taking antibiotics unless it is essential. Don’t take them for viral infections, such as a cold or the flu. Always follow the instructions from your healthcare professional about how much to take when. To prevent infections, clean your hands and living spaces regularly, and take steps to strengthen your immune system.

Are there any natural antibiotics?

Natural antibiotics include honey, thyme essential oil, and oregano essential oil. Extracts of garlic, cranberry, and myrrh also have antibiotic properties . Several herbs are effective antibiotics, including echinacea, turmeric, and ging er.

List of antibiotics

The following are lists of antibiotics for specific microbial coverage.

MRSA

Antibiotics that cover methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). refers to a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are genetically distinct from other strains of Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Antibiotics that cover Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( common encapsulated, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause disease in plants and animals, including humans):

What are the most effective classifications of antibiotics?

The most effective classification is one derived from the chemical composition. Antibiotics with similar structural classes typically have comparable patterns of toxicity, effectiveness and allergic potential. The main classifications are: Beta-Lactams (Penicillin & Cephalosporin) Macrolides. Fluroquinolones.

Which antibiotics are used to fight a wider range of bacterial infections?

Aminopenicillin. Broad spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin and ampicillin are used to fight a wider range of bacterial infections. Cephalosporin.

What is the name of the antibiotic that is effective against a multitude of microorganisms?

3. Tetracycline. Having a chemical structure with four rings, tetracyclines are derived from a type of Streptomyces bacteria. They are broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics, effective against a multitude of microorganisms.

What is the newest antibiotic class?

Fluoroquinolones. The newest classification of antibiotics is fluoroquinolones. A synthetic antibiotic, fluoroquinolones belong to the family of quinolones and are not derived from bacteria. Older forms of quinolones are mostly used to treat urinary tract infects as they were not well absorbed into the body's system.

Why are antibiotics given intravenously?

While they work well, bacteria can easily become resistant to aminoglycosides. They are given intravenously because the stomach breaks them down more easily.

What is the name of the class of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis?

Macrolides. Obtained from the Streptomyces bacterium, macrolides are types of antibiotics that are bacteriostatic, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. The prototype of this class is erythromycin and is used similarly as penicillin.

What is the purpose of penicillin?

Generally bactericidal, penicillin hinders bacteria's ability to form their cell walls. This antibiotic is often used in cases of dental, skin, respiratory tract, ear, and urinary tract infections as well as gonorrhea. The different types of penicillin are: Natural penicillin.

Outpatient Prescription Rate of All Antibiotic Classes Dispensed in U.S. Pharmacies by State Map

This map displays prescription rates of all antibiotic classes per 1,000 population dispensed in outpatient pharmacies across U.S. states in 2018.

Outpatient Prescription Rate of All Antibiotic Classes Dispensed in U.S. Pharmacies by State List

This graph shows rates of outpatient prescriptions of all antibiotic classes for the nation and by state in 2018. Prescription rates are calculated per 1,000 population.

Changes Over Time in Outpatient Prescription Rates of all antibiotic classes

This graph displays prescriptions of all antibiotic classes dispensed per 1,000 population in U.S. outpatient pharmacies from 2011 - 2018.

Outpatient Antibiotic Prescriptions Dispensed in U.S. Community Pharmacies

This graph displays national outpatient antibiotic prescriptions dispensed in U.S. community pharmacies per 1,000 population by antibiotic class over time.

Footnotes

These data are from the IQVIA database and reflect all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions dispensed to humans from U.S. community pharmacies. These data do not include antibiotic prescriptions dispensed from federal facilities.

What are antibiotics?

It is assumed that there are over 1 million of bacteria types, and a large part of which may be pathogenic. Antibiotics kill or retard the growth of bacteria, and deprive them of their ability to multiply in the body.

What are the different types of penicillins?

Depending on their spectrum of activity, several types of penicillins are identified, each of which is used for treatment of different types of infections. However, in general, we can say that all types of penicillins are effective for the treatment of: 1 Infections of the ear, lungs, throat, and bronchial tubes. 2 Urinary tract infections (UTI). 3 Abscesses of teeth and gums. 4 Sinus infection. 5 Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What antibiotics can you buy from Cephalosporins?

Today, you can buy antibiotics from the cephalosporins class under the following names: Cefaclor, Cefadroxil, Cefdinir, Cefixime, Cefprozil, Ceftaroline, Ceftibuten, Cefuroxime and Cephalexin.

What are the advantages of penicillin?

Abscesses of teeth and gums. Sinus infection. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike other types of antibiotics, the penicillins may be used in pregnant women, during lactation, children and infants. Another advantage of this antibiotics type is its low ...

How to reduce antibiotic costs?

The first way is rejecting branded antibiotics and buying their cheaper generic versions. The second way is to buy all types of antibiotics on the online pharmacy without a prescription.

Why are antibiotics used?

Antimicrobial drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of infections, caused by pathogenic microorganisms. List of antibiotics is very large. However, many of the antibiotics are similar in structure, but have different properties, so they are combined in various types. This review will provide a closer look at the antibiotics classification ...

How many people have been saved by penicillin?

However, some experts believe that penicillins saved the lives of more than 75 million people around the world. Despite the fact that many bacteria have become resistant to this type of antibiotics, penicillins are still widely used in medical practice. Depending on their spectrum of activity, several types of penicillins are identified, ...

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

Less common side effects of antibiotics include: 1 formation of kidney stones, when taking sulphonamides 2 abnormal blood clotting, when taking some cephalosporins) 3 sensitivity to sunlight, when taking tetracyclines 4 blood disorders, when taking trimethoprim 5 deafness, when taking erythromycin and the aminoglycosides

What is the broad spectrum antibiotic?

A doctor can prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat a wide range of infections. A narrow-spectrum antibiotic is only effective against a few types of bacteria. Some antibiotics attack aerobic bacteria, while others work against anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen and anaerobic bacteria do not.

What happens if you overuse antibiotics?

If people overuse antibiotics or use them incorrectly, the bacteria might become resistant. This means that the antibiotic becomes less effective against that type of bacterium, as the bacterium has been able to improve its defenses.

How do antibiotics save lives?

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight certain infections and can save lives when used properly. They either stop bacteria from reproducing or destroy them. Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the immune system can typically kill them.

Why stop taking antibiotics before course?

Stopping the medication before the course has finished increases the risk that the bacteria will become resistant to future treatments. The ones that survive will have had some exposure to the antibiotic and may consequently develop resistance to it.

What is it called when you are allergic to antibiotics?

Reactions to antibiotics can be serious and sometimes fatal. They are called anaphylactic reactions.

How long does it take for antibiotics to work?

Most antibiotics start combating infection within a few hours. Complete the whole course of medication to prevent the return of the infection.

What are Penicillins?

Penicillins are a type of antibiotic derived from Penicillium fungi. An antibiotic is a type of medicine that inhibits the growth of, or kills, bacteria.

What is the name of the penicillin that is used to kill gram negative bacteria?

Antipseudomonal penicillins, such as piperacillin and ticarcillin (discontinued) are penicillins that have additional activity against some hard-to-kill types of gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Klebsiella. They are useful for urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria because they concentrate in the urine.

What are the side effects of penicillins?

Penicillins generally cause few side effects. The most common side effects reported include abdominal pain, headache, rash, diarrhea, and taste perversion.

What is the difference between gram positive and gram negative bacteria?

One of the most important differences between these two types of bacteria is that gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to antibiotics while gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics. Antipseudomonal penicillins, such as piperacillin and ticarcillin (discontinued) are penicillins that have additional activity ...

Is penicillin safe for a bacterial infection?

Penicillins are generally safe, with low toxicity and good efficacy against susceptible bacteria.

Is penicillin V or G acid resistant?

Penicillin V is more acid-resistant than penicillin G, which means it can be taken orally. Modern semi-synthetic penicillins include ampicillin, carbenicillin (discontinued), and oxacillin. These can be taken orally, have some degree of resistance to beta lactamase, and are effective against some gram-negative bacteria.

Is penicillin a beta-lactamase inhibitor?

Some penicillins are combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. A beta-lactamase inhibitor blocks the activity of beta-lactamase enzymes but tends to have little antibiotic activity on its own. Some penicillins (such as oxacillin, dicloxacillin, and nafcillin) are naturally resistant to certain beta-lactamases and are called penicillinase-resistant ...

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Penicillins

Cephalosporins

  • Cephalosporins often treat gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sinusitis. They also treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), epididymo-orchitis, and cellulitis. Often, doctors prescribe cephalosporins to people who are allergic to penicillin. Common cephalosporin antibiotics include: 1. cefaclor 2. cefazolin 3. cefadroxil 4. cephalexin 5. cef...
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Tetracyclines

  • Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties that can treat several bacterial infections. They commonly treat chest, urethral, and pelvic infections. Tetracyclines also treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. Common tetracycline antibiotics include: 1. doxycycline 2. minocycline 3. sarecycline Children under 12 a…
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Macrolides

  • Macrolides are an antibiotic group with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. They can treat strains of bacteria that are resistant to penicillin. They are also a suitable optionfor people who are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin. These antibiotics commonly treat skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia. Healthcare professi…
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Fluoroquinolones

  • Fluoroquinolones, also called quinolones, can fight bacterial infections that are life threatening or challenging to treat. However, they are linked with antimicrobial resistance, so you shouldn’t take them unless it’s absolutely necessary. Fluoroquinolones are the first-line treatment for prostatitis, along with severe cases of salmonellosis and shigellosis. Doctors also often use them to treat c…
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Sulfonamides

  • Sulfonamides, also called sulfa drugs, are a type of synthetic antimicrobial that doctors prescribe when first-line treatments are ineffective or contraindicated. The most common type is sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, called co-trimoxazole. It treatsconditions such as pneumocystis pneumonia and nocardiosis in people with weakened immunity, as well as infecti…
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Glycopeptides

  • Glycopeptide antibioticsTrusted Source treat drug-resistant bacteria and gram-positive infections, including multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. Types of glycopeptides include: 1. vancomycin 2. dalbavancin 3. oritavancin 4. telavancin
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