Browse Prescribing Notes by Therapeutic Subcategory

For otic preparations for otitis media see Ear disorders section.
For ophthalmic antiinfectives see Ocular infections section.
For antidiarrheals see Diarrhea section.
For vaginal candidiasis see Vaginal infections section.
For symptomatic treatment of urinary tract discomfort see Urinary tract disorders section.

Antiinfectives should never be given casually for mild infections. Ideally, a culture & sensitivity should be done before administering the antiinfective of choice. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. The product labeling should be consulted for specific information about organism sensitivity and resistance and for detailed microbiological indications. Advise patients to continue taking medication until course of treatment is finished (usually 7–10 days) unless severe allergic reactions occur. When selecting antibiotics for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis, the physician or dentist should read the full joint statement of the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association. Treatment of strep infections usually requires at least 10 days of therapy.
Interactions: Antibiotics may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives. Bactericidal drugs are primarily active against actively dividing cells. Therefore, bacteriostatic antibiotics (eg, tetracyclines) may interfere with the action of bactericidal antibiotics (eg, penicillins).
Adverse Reactions: Pseudomembranous colitis may occur following the administration of antibacterial agents. This may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. This diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to antibiotic therapy. Mild cases usually respond to discontinuing the drug; more severe cases may need supportive care and/or therapy with an agent effective against Clostridium difficile. Anti-motility drugs should be avoided since they may precipitate toxic megacolon. Also, overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungal overgrowth (superinfection) may occur with the prolonged use of antibiotics.