Oral antibiotics
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics (/ɔːrəl æntɪbaɪˈɒtɪks/) are a type of medication that are taken by mouth to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing the bacteria or preventing them from multiplying.
Etymology
The term "antibiotic" comes from the Greek words "anti" meaning against and "bios" meaning life. The term "oral" is derived from the Latin word "os, oris" meaning mouth.
Types of Oral Antibiotics
There are several types of oral antibiotics, including:
- Penicillins: This group includes amoxicillin and penicillin V.
- Cephalosporins: This group includes cefaclor, cefadroxil, and cephalexin.
- Macrolides: This group includes erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.
- Fluoroquinolones: This group includes ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin.
- Tetracyclines: This group includes doxycycline and tetracycline.
- Sulfonamides: This group includes co-trimoxazole.
Usage
Oral antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. They are typically prescribed for a set period of time, and it's important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotics.
Side Effects
Like all medications, oral antibiotics can cause side effects. These may include nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects like allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral antibiotics
- Wikipedia's article - Oral antibiotics
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