10 antibiotics for colds

Symptoms that require antibiotic treatment

If a viral infection turns into a bactericidal form, then the treatment must be radically changed. In this case, it will no longer be possible to get by with folk recipes and natural remedies. Drug therapy should include drugs that can cope with pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Treatment of colds with antibiotics begins with the following symptoms:

After several days of therapy, the patient's condition does not improve.
The temperature does not decrease, but after 5-6 days it rises to 39 degrees.
The runny nose does not go away, and the nasal discharge becomes cloudy with a greenish tint.
The patient's cough does not subside, but, on the contrary, intensifies.
The voice takes on a hint of nasality.
The patient begins to suffer from shortness of breath.
Painful sensations appear in the chest area during inhalation and exhalation.
The tonsils become covered with a gray-whitish coating, and the pain in the throat only intensifies.
The function of smell is impaired.
During expectoration, sputum becomes cloudy with yellow-green impurities.
The patient constantly complains of headaches, which get worse when bending forward.
The urine becomes cloudy and sediment appears in it.
There is mucus in the stool, and blood clots or pus may appear.
In the neck area, the lymph nodes become enlarged and painful.
Ear pain appears. Liquid may be released from them, and when pressing on the tragus, the unpleasant sensations intensify.

The appearance of several such signs is a signal that antibiotics for a cold are required for treatment. It is already possible to cope with the disease only with the help of serious medications.

When to start taking antibiotics

Many people start taking antibiotics at the slightest sign of a cold. This is wrong, if a patient has signs of ARVI, he coughs, cannot swallow food due to a sore throat, and complains of fever in the body, then it is recommended:

stay in bed, if possible, for several days in a row;
drink more hot drinks;
take antiviral drugs;
gargling 4-5 times a day;
warm clothes and absolute peace.

If after 3-4 days the cold does not go away, the cough intensifies, and the temperature rises to 38 degrees regularly, then most likely bacteria are actively developing in the body weakened by the virus. Their presence is evidenced by:

loss of smell;
the appearance of hoarseness in the voice;
swollen lymph nodes;
change in urine color;
the appearance of mucus, blood and even pus in the stool;
sputum becomes yellow-green.

The noted symptoms indicate that a common cold has been complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection.

To avoid possible complications, specialists use antibiotics in combination with antiviral drugs. You will have to take them until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. The specific medicine is prescribed by the doctor. You should not treat a cold with antibiotics on your own; as mentioned above, not all of them are suitable for treating viral infections and may not be compatible with antiviral drugs.

Groups of antibiotics for colds

All antibiotics for colds in adults are divided into groups and are intended for specific diseases. Each type of medication affects a specific type of bacteria. The first thing that must be done is to establish the correct diagnosis.

If the cold concerns the ENT organs, then certain medications are recommended. The names of such antibiotics for colds in adults are as follows:

Penicillin group . It contains Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Augmentin. Indications for their use are diagnoses such as tonsillitis, frontal sinusitis, pharyngitis and other diseases.
Group of cephalosporins . It includes Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone. These are serious antibiotics and they are prescribed for severe forms of ENT diseases.
Group of macrolides . They are suitable for the treatment of otitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis.
Group of fluoroquinolones . These include Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin. These drugs are effective for otitis media and pharyngitis.
Aminoglycosides . This is a group of bactericidal antibiotics that are effective in cases of peritonitis of varying complexity, tuberculosis, and infectious blood diseases. The drugs are highly toxic, so their use is justified only in severe forms of the disease. This group includes drugs such as Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Amikacin.
Anti-tuberculosis antibiotics . They actively fight Koch's wand. The list of such drugs includes Metazide, Isoniazid, Streptomycin, Saluzide.
Group of chloramphenicol drugs . They belong to bacteriostatic antibiotics. They can cause aplastic anemia, so they are prescribed only as a last resort.
Actinomycin group . These drugs are designed to fight tumors.
Antifungal medications . The most popular and effective in this group is Nystatin. Such drugs are used in the fight against fungi.

Your doctor will determine which antibiotics to take for a cold. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

If the inflammatory process has affected the respiratory tract, then an antibiotic for an adult with a cold is prescribed from the following list:

Hemomycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin and Sumamed are effective for atypical pneumonia. They belong to the group of macrolides.
Levofloxacin, Ampiox, Amoxicillin and Avelox belong to the penicillin group. They are prescribed to treat pneumonia.
Zinacef, Zinnat and Suprax are suitable for drug therapy of bronchitis and pneumonia. They represent a group of cephalosporins.

Cheap antibiotics for colds include Amoxicillin. Despite its availability, the drug is effective during a surge in colds.

List of antibiotics for adults

To avoid complications after a cold or cope with its consequences, if any, antibiotics of the penicillin, cephalosporin and macrolide groups, and lincosamides are used. Most drugs of this kind have a wide spectrum of action and can be used to treat colds. Most often, adults are prescribed:

Amoxilav. Penicillin group of drugs. It contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which helps the medicine fight even those bacteria that are considered resistant to it. It is sold in the pharmacy chain in the form of tablets, powder for suspensions and injections. Recommended for the treatment of complications of respiratory tract infection. It is available without a prescription, but before starting treatment it is better to consult a doctor; there are contraindications. The course of treatment is 7-14 days. The dosage and time of administration depend on the form of the drug and the severity of the disease.
Amoxicillin. Included in the penicillin group. An antibacterial drug, prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules of 500 mg. The standard dose is 1 tablet every 7-8 hours. The drug has contraindications. Thus, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, with dysbacteriosis, diathesis caused by allergies, asthma, liver dysfunction, mononucleosis and some forms of leukemia.
Azithromycin. Azalide, the structural features of which are successfully used in the fight against many bacteria that are resistant to other drugs. Available in tablets, capsules, solutions for preparing suspensions. Treats tonsillitis, inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, otitis media, inflammation of the lungs, bronchi and paranasal sinuses, sore throat. The course of treatment is from 3 to 6 days. The drug is undesirable for people with heart rhythm disorders, kidney and liver diseases, and breastfeeding women. Sometimes the drug is prescribed to pregnant women, but it is taken under the strict supervision of a doctor; you should not treat yourself. Some drugs, for example, Heparin, are not compatible with Azithromycin.
Augmentin. Contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Sold in the form of tablets, capsules, solution for suspensions. To achieve a positive therapeutic effect, the drug is taken three times a day, 250 ml; if we are talking about injections, they are given every 4 hours. The course of treatment is at least 1 week. Augmentin is used to treat upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Use the medicine with caution during pregnancy. It is prohibited to use it for jaundice, liver dysfunction and an allergic reaction to its individual components.
Lincomycin. Belongs to the group of lincosamides. Used to combat gram-positive bacteria. Dispensed from the pharmacy in the form of tablets or solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration. Lincomycin is effective for inflammation of the lungs and middle ear, sore throat, and bronchitis. Prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding, kidney and liver problems. The drug is available without a prescription, but under the strict supervision of a doctor. Self-use of Lincomycin can have tragic consequences. Thus, the drug is absolutely incompatible with non-steroidal drugs; simultaneous use leads to breathing difficulties.
Flemoxin Solutab. Belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics. The active ingredient is amoxicillin. Sold in tablet form. Effective in treating infections affecting the respiratory tract. It is better not to use the medicine on your own; if the patient has problems with the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or lymphocytic leukemia, the drug can cause complications. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, treatment with Flemoxin Solutab should also be avoided. The medicinal effect does not depend on the time of food intake. The dose depends on the severity of the disease, but not more than 3 tablets per day.
Zinnat. Included in the second group of cephalosporins. The active substance, cefuroxime axetil, has a positive effect on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The drug is sold in the form of tablets and granules for suspension. The dose depends on the form of the disease. Zinnat has proven itself in the treatment of sinusitis, otitis media and respiratory tract infections. There are practically no contraindications; a feeling of discomfort after taking the drug can only occur in patients with intolerance, as well as those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The medicine is prescribed, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Suprax. Third generation cephalosporin. The active substance is cefixime. Sold in capsules and granules for suspension, sometimes in tablets for resorption and dissolution in water. Suprax is used for pneumonia, tonsillopharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis and otitis media. Self-administration is not advisable. The drug is contraindicated for problems with kidney function, decreased creatinine clearance, and colitis. Older age may also be a barrier to choosing this antibiotic as the primary treatment. At the same time, pregnancy does not interfere with taking the medicine, but cefixin can pass into breast milk, so it is better to refrain from taking Suprax while breastfeeding.
Clarithromycin. Refers to the third generation macrolides, fights microbes that infect tissue cells. Taken in an amount of 500 mg per day. For serious illnesses, the dose is doubled. Contraindications include lactation, intolerance, and the first trimester of pregnancy.

Effective antibiotics for colds

As such, antibiotics are prescribed only as a last resort when the patient's condition requires it. The following factors are considered warning signs of a serious illness:

persistently high temperature over a long period of time;
high fever;
severe and prolonged cough;
persistent sore throat.

If treatment with immunostimulants, antiviral drugs and vitamin complexes does not produce results and the patient’s condition does not improve, then more serious measures should be taken. The list of antibiotics for influenza in adults includes the following drugs:

Rovamycin;
Suprax;
Levofloxacin;
Chemomycin;
Cephalexin;
Flemoclav;
Erythromycin;
Azithromycin;
Amoxicillin.

Any flu or cold condition requires consultation with a doctor. Only a therapist can prescribe which antibiotic an adult should take for a cold.

Complications of childhood colds

Parents have probably encountered a situation where a pediatrician prescribes antibacterial drugs for colds in children.
And the obvious question immediately arises: if antibiotics are ineffective for colds, why does the doctor prescribe them? Moreover, they often help, and this help is noticeable to the naked eye! Let's try to figure out what pediatricians are guided by in such cases. In a child's body, complications can develop very quickly. So quickly that not only the doctor, but also the mother does not have time to notice the deterioration, especially if the mother is inexperienced and has nothing to do with medicine. The picture looks something like this: just yesterday evening the baby had a 100% viral infection, accompanied by viral bronchitis and rhinitis, and in the morning he had full-blown pneumonia. Viral infection, by the way, is also here to stay. Viruses simply heal themselves, but bacteria do not.

Our hypothetical child, already suffering from pneumonia due to ARVI, continues to receive traditional cold treatment. Warm drinks and antiviral drugs for bacterial infections act like a poultice on the dying. And additional antipyretics only erase the picture of the disease and hide its true face. Pneumonia is playing out in earnest. It can only be noticed by the local doctor at the next appointment or by the mother when the symptoms become so severe that they can no longer hide behind ARVI. And only then, with a great delay, will treatment begin not for a cold, but for pneumonia - a true disease for which antibiotics are primarily needed.

Treatment of pregnant women with antibiotics

Treatment of pregnant women with antibiotics should be carried out with caution, as this may have a negative effect on the fetus. For drug therapy, gentle drugs should be selected. Any good antibiotic for a cold prescribed for an adult is not always suitable for a woman expecting a baby or a nursing mother.

To select the appropriate drug, the doctor should identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its resistance to various drugs. He will also decide when a pregnant woman needs to take antibiotics for a cold, and will select a gentle dosage and duration of the course of drug therapy.

If the patient’s condition is serious, the therapist will suggest a drug that can be taken by expectant mothers. Names of antibiotics for colds in such cases:

Cefazolin;
Oxamp;
Ericicline;
Oxacillin;
Bioparox;
Minocycline;
Azithromycin;
Ristomycin;
Ampicillin;
Erythromycin.

If a woman is expecting a baby or is breastfeeding, then strong antibiotics for colds are not recommended. The best option would be to inject the prescribed medicine rather than take it orally in tablet form.

What do you mean by a cold?

The main provocateurs of colds are various types of viruses, which, when entering the human body through the respiratory tract, provoke the launch of complex processes.

The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract and begins to destroy it.

Viruses that cause colds find a medium for reproduction in the human body, using the nutrient medium of the cells, they literally force the cells to work for themselves.

Gradually, the immune system weakens, the cells become defenseless, thereby creating favorable conditions for the proliferation of other microorganisms.

In its classic manifestation, a cold develops gradually . At the initial stage, a sore throat appears, then a runny nose appears.

At the first symptoms, many people go to pharmacies in search of antibiotics for colds, which are effective and, of course, inexpensive.

In this case , treatment with antibiotics is unjustified; the immune system must try to overcome the disease on its own. Only if the symptoms worsen should you think about taking such drugs.

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Broad-spectrum drugs

To treat complications of influenza and colds against the background of bacterial therapy, drugs are prescribed that are aimed at suppressing groups of pathogens. Broad-spectrum antibiotics for colds are considered such medications. Their task is to cope with complications after acute respiratory diseases and influenza.

These medications can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Their effectiveness does not depend on price. Inexpensive antibiotics for colds are also used to combat complications. Their cost is influenced by who the manufacturer is and where they are produced. Imported drugs will be much more expensive than cheap antibiotics for colds from a domestic manufacturer.

Before starting a course of treatment, you must read the instructions. A good drug will have few side effects. List of broad-spectrum antibiotics for colds in adults:

Klacid;
Ospamox;
Kefsepim;
Olethetrin;
Amosin;
Cefodox;
Bacampicillin;
Ecoball;
Flamifix;
Zinforo.

These medications should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Pros and cons of complex products (Coldrex, Theraflu, Rinza)

To quickly recover from a cold, modern people purchase a variety of powders such as Coldrex, Teraflu, and Rinza. Are they any good, are they capable of curing a cold?

Coldrex and similar drugs alleviate the patient's condition, but do not cure a cold.

The main components of these substances are paracetamol and vitamin C. Recent scientific studies have confirmed that the miraculous ability of this vitamin to cure colds and improve immunity is a myth.

In addition to ascorbic acid and paracetamol, similar drugs contain substances that relieve swelling of blood vessels and dilate them.

Advantages of complex drugs : quickly and effectively relieve symptoms - headache, runny nose, fever and chills.

Disadvantages: they do not have an antiviral effect, they only relieve symptoms, and are not able to fight microorganisms-viruses.

Such drugs can be used for the purpose of prevention and quick relief of unpleasant symptoms, but you should not expect a full recovery.

Inexpensive cold and flu medications

Inexpensive drugs are as effective as their expensive counterparts. If you can’t afford the medication, you can ask your doctor what can replace it. Prescribing an inexpensive antibiotic to an adult for a cold should not be considered as optional therapy.

A cheap drug does not mean that it is not very effective. The list of names of such antibiotics for colds in adults includes the following medications:

Ofloxacin . It is very effective in combating pathogens. The drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone series. It is prescribed only to adults. It is produced in 2 types: tablets and injections. The drug is contraindicated for expectant mothers and nursing women. The dosage should be strictly followed to avoid serious complications.
Amoxicillin . The drug is included in the list of cheap antibiotics for influenza. It is available in different forms: capsules, powder, injections. Amoxicillin is effective for treating bacterial upper respiratory tract infections. The medicine acts quickly and remains active for 8 hours, so you drink it 3 times a day.
Azithromycin . Due to its accumulation in the infected area in a huge concentration, the drug is highly active for a week after the end of the course. This makes it possible to reduce the period of its use to 4-5 days. It is prescribed for colds complicated by a severe cough. The medication is produced in the form of tablets and capsules. It is contraindicated in patients with liver and kidney failure. Women should not drink it during lactation. The antibiotic has many side effects and can cause an allergic reaction.

Such antibiotics are available to any patient, but only the therapist decides how and for how long a particular medicine can be used and whether there is a need to be treated with this particular antibiotic.

What antibiotics should I take for a cold complicated by a bacterial component?

The choice of antimicrobial agent depends on the nature of the pathogen and the severity of the disease.

Rev. The choice is penicillins with an extended spectrum of activity and inhibitor-protected drugs. Prescribed: Ampicillin®, Amoxiclav®, Amoxicillin® - the most effective and inexpensive antibiotics for colds. Cephalosporins are also effective.
The best if chlamydial or mycoplasma infection is suspected are macrolides (Azithromycin®).

Ampicillin® for colds

Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic penicillin with an extended spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Has a bactericidal effect on gram+ and gram-bacteria. Not effective against infections caused by penicillinase-producing strains.

Contraindications for use

allergic history of reactions and individual intolerance to beta-lactams;
infectious mononucleosis and the period of exacerbation of chronic carriage of cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr viral infections;
blood diseases (lymphocytic leukemia, clotting disorders);
history of pseudomembranous colitis;
age up to a month;
renal failure;
bronchial asthma
lactation period.

Prescribed with caution to women during pregnancy. Therapy should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.

Possible side effects

cross allergies;
ampicillin rash;
gastrointestinal disorders;
dysbacteriosis;
thrush;
antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.

Read further: What to do if an adult has diarrhea after antibiotics?

Undesirable drug combinations

Before prescribing ampicillin for a cold, it is necessary to find out whether the patient has any concomitant diseases that require constant use of medications.

If there is a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract that requires taking antacids, it is necessary to warn the patient that they sharply reduce the absorption of the antibiotic. Therefore, the time interval between the use of ampicillin and antacids should be at least two hours.

Semi-synthetic penicillins have pharmaceutical incompatibility with aminoglycosides when administered or taken simultaneously.

It is also important to remember that antimicrobials reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so it is necessary to notify the patient of the increased risk of unwanted pregnancy during treatment.

Patients with gout taking allopurinol® are at high risk of non-allergic ampicillin rash.

It is not prescribed to patients receiving methotrexate® treatment, since the joint administration of these drugs significantly increases its toxicity.

Combined administration with bacteriostatic antibiotics (macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, lincosamides) is not recommended, due to the pronounced antagonistic interaction of drugs.

When prescribed to patients receiving indirect anticoagulant therapy, there is a high risk of bleeding.

Dosage regimen

Adults take 250 mg of Ampicillin® every six hours. Taking simultaneously with food significantly reduces the bioavailability of the drug. In this regard, it is recommended to take it an hour before meals.

For children, the dose ranges from 25 to fifty mg/kg 4 times a day for intramuscular administration.

In suspensions (calculation per day):

from four years of life: from 1 to 2 grams;
less than 4 years, but older than a year, use 100-150 mg/kg;
For children over one month of age, 150 mg/kg is recommended.

Day the dose is divided into 4-6 doses.

The duration of therapy is from five to ten days.

Amoxiclav® for colds

Read: Instructions for use of amoxiclav® in tablets and suspension

It is a combination drug of amoxicillin® and clavulanic acid. Belongs to the class of inhibitor-protected penicillins.

It has a pronounced bactericidal effect, suppressing the synthesis of the cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms. Acts on gram-positive and gram-negative flora, including strains capable of producing beta-lactamases.

The expansion of the spectrum of activity is due to the action of clavulanic acid, which prevents the enzymatic inactivation of penicillin by bacteria.

Inhibitor-protected antibiotics for colds in adults have contraindications and unwanted drug interactions similar to ampicillin.

Adverse reactions

allergies;
transient increase in liver transaminases;
cholestatic jaundice;
antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis;
phlebitis with intravenous administration;
dysbacteriosis;
thrush of the oral cavity and vagina;
dyspeptic disorders.

Read further: How and how to treat thrush after antibiotics

Dosages

It is important to remember that the calculation is based on amoxicillin®.

Example: 250+125 mg means containing 250 mg amoxicillin® and 125 mg clavulanate®.

The drug has release forms for oral and parenteral use. Not administered intramuscularly, only intravenously.

For adult patients and children over the age of twelve years, the recommended dose is 250 mg three times a day. For severe illness, the dose is increased to 500 mg every eight hours. Adults are allowed to take one gram twice a day.

For patients under 12 years of age, Amoxiclav® is prescribed in the form of a suspension or syrup.

The dose for one dose depends on age:

over seven years old, but under 12, 250 mg is prescribed;
from two to seven years - 125 mg;
from nine months to 2 years - 62.5 mg.

The drug is taken every eight hours. In case of severe disease, the indicated dosages can be doubled. For oral use, the recommended daily dose is:

from twenty to 40 mg/k - from nine months to 2 years;
from 20 to 50 mg/kg - from two to 12 years;

Day/dose is divided into three steps.

When administered intravenously:

Adults and children over twelve years of age are prescribed 1.2 grams three times a day. When heavy during the course - four times. The maximum allowable dose is 6 grams per day.

For children under twelve but over three months, use 25 mg/kg/day three times a day. For children under 3 months of age, use 30 mg/kg/day, divided into two times.

Read: Lists with prices and effectiveness of all analogues of Amoxiclav

Amoxicillin® for colds

Amoxicillin is part of the group of semisynthetic penicillins with an extended spectrum of action. Has a bactericidal effect on pathogenic microorganisms. The effect of the drug is due to a disruption in the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a supporting component of the cell wall, which leads to the destruction and lysis of bacteria.

It has high activity against gram+ and gram-flora, excluding strains capable of producing penicillinase.

Contraindications for use and unwanted drug interactions are similar to Ampicillin® and Amoxiclav®.

Side effects:

allergic reactions;
ampicillin rash;
leuko- and neutropenia;
thrombocytopenic purura;
anemia;
interstitial nephritis;
dysbacteriosis, candidiasis.

Read more: How to treat an allergy to antibiotics in the form of a skin rash

Calculation of dosages

For adult patients and children from ten years of age weighing over forty kilograms, a dose of five hundred mg three times a day is recommended. For severe infections, the dose is 750-1000 mg every eight hours.

For young children, use suspensions three times a day:

from five to ten years - 250 mg;
children under five, but over two years old - 125 mg;
for patients under two years of age, 20 mg/kg is recommended, for severe infections - up to sixty mg/kg.

Read further: All analogues of amoxicillin for adults and children

Antibiotics for colds in injections

They are used for moderate and severe forms of the disease.

Recommended:

Penicillins (Amoxiclav®);
Cephalosporins:
Cefoperazone®;
Ceftazidime®;
Cefepime®;
Cefoperazone/sulbactam®;
For unspecified bacterial infections and severe pneumonia (Imipinem® + Cilastatin®).

Antibiotics for colds in tablets

Used for moderate otitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and mild pneumonia in adults. For young children, when pneumonia is diagnosed or suspected, hospitalization in the respiratory infectious diseases department is advisable. This is associated with the rapid development of respiratory failure.

The drugs of choice are:

Inhibitor-protected penicillins (Amoxicillin/clavulanate®, Ampicillin/sulbactam®):
Cephalosporins for oral use:

Cefixime® (Suprax®, Sorcef®, Pancef®);
Cefuroxime/axetil® (Zinnat®).

Drugs for the treatment of children

In childhood, taking antibiotics is justified if a cold is accompanied by a purulent sore throat, acute otitis media, pneumonia or any other serious complication. The form of the drug will depend on the age category of the child.

Teenagers can take tablets and capsules, but only injections are suitable for infants. The list of names of antibiotics for colds and flu for children includes the following drugs:

Zinnat;
Avelox;
Augmentin;
Moximac;
Flemoxin Solutab;
Alpha Normix;
Fromilid Uno;
Esparoxy;
Ampicillin;
Macropen.

If a child has a viral infection, then there is no need for antibiotics even with a fever. In this case, any of these drugs will be useless.

The use of antibiotics in children can cause:

anemia;
dysbacteriosis;
weakening of the immune system.

Their use in children is justified in the case of diseases such as:

aerobic streptococcal tonsillitis;
acute otitis;
pneumonia;
inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

If there are no complications, then the use of antibiotics is not recommended. Indications for use may only be a certain patient’s condition:

rickets;
HIV;
underweight;
cancer;
congenital immune diseases;
general developmental defects;
chronic recurrent otitis media.

Any drug is prescribed only by a pediatrician, based on examination, tests and the general condition of the baby.

Cold symptoms

The concept of “cold” hides more than a dozen diseases caused by various harmful microorganisms.

High temperature is the main symptom of a cold

But all these microorganisms have one similarity - they lead to the same symptoms:

headache;
body aches;
chills;
discomfort in the throat;
temperature not exceeding 37.5 degrees.

In some cases, the symptoms go away on their own , the disease recedes, but this can only happen to those people who have excellent immunity and are able to cope with the disease on their own.

Such hardened people, with strong immunity, do not need to take antibiotics for colds. Even if they are inexpensive and effective, there is no need to rush.

On average, cold symptoms last from 2 to 7 days . They can come in different combinations and each person experiences them differently.

If not treated properly, complications are possible - sinusitis, sinusitis, therefore, it is important not to start the disease, but to treat it.

Complications after colds

If the first signs of a cold appear, you should consult a physician. Carrying the flu on your feet is a bad idea. If the patient does not receive the necessary treatment for a viral infectious disease, complications may well arise.

Only a doctor can determine when to take antibiotics for a cold. Delaying treatment can lead to:

otitis;
purulent sore throat;
pleurisy;
pharyngitis;
pneumonia;
acute bronchitis;
lymphadenitis complicated by purulent infection;
laryngotracheitis;
frontitis;
purulent tonsillitis;
sinusitis.

These types of complications indicate that it is urgently necessary to begin treatment with antibiotics. The choice of drug remains with the doctor. After examination and tests, he will determine which antibiotic is best to prescribe for an adult with a cold. Otherwise, complications after the inflammatory process cannot be avoided.

If you feel better, it is strictly forbidden to interrupt treatment therapy. The consequences of such a rash act can be very serious. No matter how effective an antibiotic is for a cold, the course of treatment must be completed to the end. Because improvement in the patient’s condition does not yet indicate that the disease has completely passed.

The antibiotic could only affect part of the bacteria, but the remaining pathogenic microorganisms may have adapted to the drug and will begin to attack the weakened body with renewed vigor. This will lead to a new round of the disease with subsequent complications.

Can other antibiotics be used for complications of a cold?

This question quite often worries active buyers. And we answer it briefly and succinctly. No, other antibacterial agents are not used for colds, pneumonia and other complications! Neither Gentamicin, nor Ciprofloxacin, nor dozens of other drugs have the slightest relation to bronchitis or otitis media. There is no need to experiment on your own body. It’s better to trust a specialist - let him figure out which antibiotic can be prescribed, when, how and for what cold. The patient’s task is only to consult a doctor in time and follow his instructions. And this is the best thing you can do for your health.

Complications due to inappropriate use of antibiotics

In the presence of a bacterial infection, the use of such drugs is justified. Especially during an epidemic, physicians usually prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics for colds in an adult patient. But if used inappropriately, they can lead to:

Dysbacteriosis . In this case, the microflora suffers. The targeting of antibiotics is not selective. They destroy both pathogenic microorganisms and beneficial bacteria. But an important component of human health is the normal microflora of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, oral cavity, intestines and other organs. Antibiotics destroy it, and it is no longer able to protect the body from infections penetrating from outside. On the other hand, this allows harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or yeast-like fungi, to dominate and destroy all living things. They multiply and develop quickly.
Development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics . Opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria exist as part of the microflora on all surfaces of the human body and on the mucous membranes of internal organs. Their growth and reproduction depends on the body's immune forces. Pathogenic bacteria pose a serious threat to human health, as they can cause serious illness. Opportunistic pathogens can cause complications only under certain conditions. As long as the person's immune system is able to resist them, this will not be a cause for concern. But when you have to take antibiotics for a cold, entire colonies of representatives of the bacterial flora die. Pathogenic bacteria remaining after exposure to antibiotics become less susceptible to them. If the patient experiences a repeat infection in the future, the use of such an antibiotic will no longer be effective.

Given all these facts, treating colds or flu with antibiotics should be taken seriously. Only the therapist determines which antibiotics to take for a cold, in what doses, and for how many days. The doctor's recommendations must be strictly followed to avoid complications after treatment.

Cephalosporins: drugs with a secret

Cephalosporin antibiotics are a huge group that includes four generations of drugs. They are effective and quite safe. However, they also have subtleties hidden from prying eyes.

Firstly, cephalosporins, like penicillins, can be destroyed by beta-lactamases, although this happens much less frequently.

Secondly, and most importantly, cephalosporin antibiotics for internal use have very low bioavailability. They are poorly absorbed in the intestine: for example, cefixime is absorbed only by 40–50%, and some drugs are even worse. Injectable cephalosporins do not have this disadvantage, but their administration is extremely painful. What's the point of injecting medications and getting a lot of negative emotions when there is a much less unpleasant alternative that is just as effective? Therefore, cephalosporin antibiotics for complicated colds are considered reserve drugs, which are used only in cases of ineffectiveness or intolerance to penicillins or macrolides.

Tabletted cephalosporins, which are prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections to combat an associated bacterial infection:

Cefuroxime (Zinnat, Aksetin) is a second-generation antibacterial agent that can be used in children under 3 years of age, including those with complicated colds;
Cefixime (Ixim, Pancef, Suprax) is a third-generation drug prescribed for adults and children over 6 months.

The most famous injectable cephalosporin is the third-generation drug Ceftriaxone (Madaxone, Tercef). The love that therapists and pediatricians feel for him is easy to explain. The drug works really well against bacteria that cause complications of colds (but no better than penicillins). In addition, it evokes respect and awe among patients due to its release form. Well, the doctor prescribed injections, which means they will definitely help. The doctor is great, but I, of course, will be patient. It’s much sadder when a child has to endure it.

Fans of injections need to remember: according to all safety standards accepted in world medicine, injectable antibiotics are prescribed only in the most severe cases and, as a rule, in a hospital setting.

Common mistakes when taking antibiotics

Improper use of medications can have serious consequences. This is due to the fact that you can buy any of them at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. Inexpensive antibiotics for colds are especially popular, and there are people who want to treat even the simplest runny nose with them, without turning to a therapist.

Common mistakes during therapy include the following:

Self-treatment . The common cold should not be treated with such drugs. There are, of course, mild antibiotics for colds, but even these should only be used in case of complications. Such drugs are effective only against bacteria. While a cold is a viral disease. If a bacterial complication begins in the form of pneumonia or purulent sore throat, then the therapist will prescribe the appropriate drug and advise when it is necessary to take antibiotics for a cold.
Stop treatment when the condition improves . This is a serious mistake by the patient who believes that when the temperature drops, you can stop taking the medicine. The course prescribed by the doctor must be completed in full. Only the therapist decides when to start taking antibiotics for a cold and how long it should last. There is always a possibility that not all pathogenic microbes will be destroyed in a short period of time. There is a risk that the remaining harmful microorganisms will become resistant to the antibiotic. This may adversely affect the patient's health.
Violation of the conditions for taking and dosing medications . The therapist makes a prescription depending on the severity of the disease, the general condition of the patient, his age and other specific conditions. Failure to comply with the dosage or conditions of drug therapy can lead to complications and serious consequences. No matter how inexpensive and effective antibiotics for colds are, you must strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor.
For prevention . This is another blunder when such drugs are taken without any important reason. If there is no reason, then you cannot take antibiotics as a preventive measure.
Misuse of different types of medications . There are antibiotics for internal use and those for local use. The instructions for each type must be strictly followed. For example, Amoxiclav is available in the form of a suspension, so it can only be used orally and only in the dosage indicated in the instructions or when and how the doctor prescribed taking antibiotics for a cold.

Such mistakes should be avoided and the therapist’s recommendations should be heeded. This will help you quickly cope with the disease and avoid unpleasant complications.

A normal cold: when is an antibiotic not needed?

And first, let's consider the elementary situation, when a cold that does not require the use of antibacterial agents proceeds “according to all the rules.”
ARVI, aka acute respiratory infections, aka colds, is a respiratory viral disease, the most common infection in the world. “Catching” a respiratory virus, the number of which reaches record levels and numbers in the hundreds, is as easy as shelling pears. Moreover, colds are the norm. Potentially healthy adults can get sick up to six times a year, and children up to ten or even a little more. At the same time, it is too early to complain about poor immunity: such morbidity is completely natural. So, a cold caught on a chilly autumn evening (as well as at any other time of the day and year) should develop approximately according to the same scenario.

The patient sequentially goes through several stages of ARVI, which look something like this: severe fatigue and loss of strength, runny nose, cough, sore throat, gradual normalization of the condition, recovery.

As a rule, 7–10 days pass from the beginning to the end of a cold. Remember the folk wisdom about treated and untreated colds? So: she is not devoid of common sense. No matter how hard you try, no matter what modern medications you swallow, most likely, you will not be able to fully recover before seven days. But after the time allotted for respiratory viruses, they die, and we recover.

After close acquaintance with respiratory viruses, temporary immunity is formed in the body. Its duration depends on the type of virus and ranges from several months to several years. True, the protection is only valid for the type of virus that caused the disease. And there are dozens and even hundreds of varieties of each respiratory virus. That’s why we get sick from ARVI often and a lot.

>>We recommend: if you are interested in effective methods of getting rid of chronic runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and persistent colds, then be sure to check out this page of the site after reading this article. The information is based on the author’s personal experience and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. Now let's return to the article.<<

Rules for taking antibiotics

In order not to harm your body, antibiotics should be taken correctly. After all, any use of such a drug is an extra burden on the body. After such therapy, the patient will inevitably encounter dysbiosis.

The main symptoms of such a complication will be such manifestations as:

discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract;
constipation or diarrhea;
pain in the abdomen.

Probiotics should be taken from the very beginning of therapy to avoid such complications. Such substances will protect the beneficial microflora of the stomach and intestines. Typically, therapists recommend:

Linux;
Enterol;
Hilak;
Bifiform;
Lactobacterin.

These drugs suppress the growth of fungi, improve the absorption of beneficial microelements, prevent infection from entering the bloodstream and remove toxins from the body. They should be taken two hours after antibiotics. The duration of their use is always 3 times greater than the number of days of drug therapy itself. If antibiotic therapy lasted a week, then the course of probiotic use should be 21 days.

To prevent the probiotic from passing through the intestines, it is necessary to drink a prebiotic. For example, you can use Lactulose. It is enough to use it once a day in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 ml.

Treatment of influenza in children with antibiotics

Not all antibiotics are suitable for children with the flu. In general, their use is justified if the disease is accompanied by serious complications and there is a threat to the baby’s life. There are several forms of medication, but the choice will depend on the age category of the child. If tablets or capsules are suitable for a teenager, then a suspension is acceptable for babies, and only injections are suitable for infants.

The following drugs are considered suitable antibiotics for children with ARVI and influenza:

Alpha Normix . The active ingredient of the drug is rifaximin. Produced in both tablets and capsules. The composition of the medicine includes silicon. The medicine is prescribed for the treatment of various types of intestinal infections. The drug is suitable for children over 12 years of age.
Macropen . The main active ingredient is midecamycin. Available in tablets and capsules for suspension. The medication is used to treat respiratory infections. The antibiotic is approved for use in infants. The dose should be calculated based on the child's weight. The usual course of therapy lasts within one week.
Flemoxin Solutab . The active component of the antibiotic is amoxicillin. The drug is available only in tablets, but for children they can be dissolved in water to obtain a sweet suspension with a lemon-tangerine flavor. Children are prescribed antibiotics from the age of 1 year.
Augmentin . The drug belongs to the group of penicillins. It is successfully used for diseases of the respiratory system, genitourinary system and infections of soft tissues and skin. Elderly people should take antibiotics with caution. The drug is prescribed to children over 2 years of age. You should take the antibiotic with meals.
Esparoxi . The dosage form of the drug is film-coated tablets. The medicine is produced in Germany. This is a semi-synthetic antibiotic of the macrolide group. Used in the treatment of complications of influenza such as infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Only the pediatrician determines the optimal dosage regimen. The children's daily dose is 5-8 mg/kg.

A viral infection in a child does not require treatment with antibiotics. This kind of medicine will only be useful in case of bacterial infection. Often, uncontrolled use of antibiotics for flu and colds in children can cause complications such as:

dysbacteriosis;
anemia;
decreased immunity.

A pediatrician may prescribe one of these antibiotics if the flu causes the following complications:

pneumonia;
acute otitis;
purulent sore throat;
sinusitis.

Treatment of influenza in children without complications does not require the use of antibiotics. If there is reason that a severe form of influenza can be fatal, then the pediatrician will select the appropriate medication.

An indication for the use of antibiotics for influenza and ARVI may be the painful condition of a small patient:

HIV infection;
general developmental defects;
weight below normal;
oncology;
congenital pathologies of the immune system;
chronic recurrent otitis media.

In such a weakened state, the baby may not survive the flu, so he is prescribed the necessary antibiotic. The pediatrician does this based on a general examination and tests of the baby.

Taking antibiotics for prevention

Antibiotics can only be taken in difficult cases when a specific diagnosis has been made. Such drugs are not intended for:

removing intoxication from the body;
improvement of general condition;
relief of symptoms;
accelerating recovery from a viral infection.

Therefore, it makes no sense to use them for preventive purposes during seasonal epidemics of respiratory diseases. Their use can only worsen the health condition in such cases.

In our body, including on the mucous membranes, there live different colonies of bacteria. The use of antibiotics, especially in violation of the course and dosage, can lead to the destruction of beneficial microflora and create the preconditions for the proliferation of an opportunistic environment. All this can cause the development of a bacterial infection.

In some cases this can cause complications. The use of antibiotics for prophylactic purposes is recommended only to prevent the development of diseases due to bacterial infections. For example, a severe form of tonsillitis can cause rheumatism, meningitis or pyelonephritis. Therefore, the prescription of antibiotics will be justified in this case. This will help avoid serious consequences.

After operations, a course of antibiotics is also often prescribed. This is usually done if the patient is diagnosed with a severe inflammatory process or purulent infection. In such cases, broad-spectrum drugs are used, for example, antibiotics of the penicillin group.

The list of antibiotics for flu and colds in adults is very long; you should not choose your own medicine. At the first signs of the disease, it is recommended to visit the clinic. The therapist will prescribe drug therapy.

And only if it is ineffective and there are complications with acute respiratory infections and flu, he will prescribe a suitable antibiotic for a cold for an adult, which can be purchased inexpensively at the pharmacy. And in order to avoid diarrhea, allergies or dysbiosis, the specialist will prescribe prebiotics, probiotics and antihistamines.

What antibiotics are used for complications of a cold?

If a cold is complicated by a bacterial infection, therapy takes a completely new direction.
All efforts are aimed at fighting bacteria, and the virus is left alone: in any case, it dies within 7-10 days, and the insidious microbe has already done its most “dirty” deed. Bacteria will not leave the body of their own free will - they will multiply until the bacchanalia is stopped by antibiotics. The list of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs used for complicated colds is quite extensive. The choice of antibiotics is based on the type of pathogen responsible for the infection. Among all the diversity of bacteria, the following are responsible for the development of pneumonia, bacterial tonsillitis, bronchitis and other consequences of ARVI:

streptococci (they are the ones most often responsible for sore throats and often pneumonia);
staphylococci, which cause a wide range of infectious diseases;
Haemophilus influenzae;
Moraxella and other microorganisms.

What antibiotics are active against pathogens that cause cold complications?

RECOMMEND THE MOST NORMAL ANTIBIOTIC FOR ADULTS for colds. So that the price is not too expensive

Answers:

Maksim

With colds and hypothermia, the body is attacked by viruses and not microbes. Nothing has been invented or released against viruses yet. The antibiotic acts against microbes that begin to attack any weakened organ after an acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection, most often the ears and bronchi. If you have no complications, antib. should not be taken. Just help your body cope with the virus on its own: take Vit. S, drink more, if not, warm your feet. But you can’t take a bath until the illness is over, otherwise it will get worse.

Anna Vorotnyuk

in PM

mass

I was prescribed Flemoxin Solutab, which is good.

Isaeva Olga

Is it needed for a cold? ..

Katya Barykova

Don't take antibiotics for a cold

Lori

ceftriaxone, salutab, suprax…. but it’s better to use folk remedies.

Alla Borisova

Antibiotics are taken only if complications arise; this is not a harmless drug. Read here: [link blocked by decision of the project administration] (remove the = signs, otherwise they won’t let you insert the link) [link blocked by decision of the project administration]

Regina Loginova

when the body is slagged, it reduces the production of interferon and the body is attacked by microbes, which first of all eat the garbage, turning it into a form that the body can remove, when a critical mass of garbage has been eliminated, the production of interferon is turned on again and the microbes are killed... brief conclusion))): by hunger, bed with a regimen, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking enterosorbents, you will help your body quickly cleanse itself and become healthier. Antibiotics will kill all microflora (both friendly and pathogenic), the pathogenic one will recover instantly and continue to undermine your health.

Simone Melamud

Colds are not treated with antibiotics. At all. Warm. Don't go outside. Honey. 3 days, that’s all, and if you start it, then it’s not a cold, but its consequences

Antibiotics

The name of this category of drugs speaks eloquently for itself - these are drugs directed against some living microflora. Note that bacteria are living organisms, albeit microscopic ones. Viruses, in turn, show no signs of life outside the host cell. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus on whether viruses should be classified as living or non-living objects.

Therefore, antibiotics are clearly drugs designed to combat pathogenic microflora, namely bacteria. They are prescribed for diseases caused by bacterial agents.

Therefore, antibiotics will not be effective against viral diseases: influenza, ARVI, hepatitis, measles, rubella, herpes, and so on.

There are two types of antibiotics, based on their effect on bacterial cells:

Bacteriostatic - pathogenic microorganisms lose their ability to reproduce, which is why the development of the disease stops and after a while the bacteria die.
Bactericidal - the use of these agents is aimed at destroying pathogenic microflora. The antibiotic kills bacteria, after which they are eliminated from the body.

We suggest you read the article “Antibiotics for children with coughs and runny nose” in more detail.

There is also a classification of types of antibiotics according to their origin and mechanism of action on the cell.

Antibiotic drugs are prescribed for diseases such as:

Pneumonia;
Cystitis;
Enteritis;
Pyelonephritis;
Colitis;
Stomach ulcer;
Acute sinusitis and other bacterial infections.

It is very important to realize that antibiotics are serious drugs that can have many side effects. By taking them outside of a doctor’s prescription at your own discretion, you risk getting both complications and a recurrence of the infection in a short time. Therefore, if you want to be treated effectively, you must follow the doctor’s instructions.

In addition, only a specialist can determine the effective and safe dose of each drug for a particular patient and prescribe the duration of the course of antibiotic therapy.

Let us note one more important point. Antibiotic drugs cause resistance (addiction) in pathogens. Rash treatment with strong antibiotics may be effective, but short-sighted. In the future, if you catch the same pathogen again, it may be resistant even to very strong drugs and treatment will be difficult.

Strong antibiotics

The drugs have varying degrees of effectiveness. The most powerful are broad-spectrum antibiotics. They have a bactericidal effect on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The disadvantages of such antibiotics include high toxicity to the body. They cause more side effects than other similar drugs. The list of potent antibiotics includes:

Sumamed – 485 for 3 tablets;
Amoxiclav – 275 for 20 doses;
Cefotaxime – 27 rub. per powder 1 g.

Sumamed

This is an antibiotic from the macrolide group. Sumamed has an antimicrobial effect on a wide range of bacteria, and at high concentrations exhibits bactericidal properties. The drug is sold in the pharmacy in the form of tablets, capsules and suspensions. The latter is most often used to treat children from six months to 3 years. Directions:

For colds, 500 mg of Sumamed is prescribed 3 times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. There is no need to chew the tablets.
The medicine is taken for 3 days.
Some microbes become resistant to Sumamed over time, so if it does not reduce the temperature after 3 days, the medicine needs to be changed.

Amoxiclav

Adults more often take this antibiotic in tablets. For children, there is an Amoxiclav suspension, approved from birth. The medicine is classified as a broad-spectrum penicillin. It contains clavulanic acid, which makes the antibiotic resistant to bacterial beta-lactamases.

Amoxiclav is considered universal because it gives mild side effects, has a minimum of contraindications, does not contain dyes and acts quickly. Directions:

The product helps with pneumonia, bronchitis and ENT complications.
Adults take 375 mg every 8 hours or 625 mg every 12 hours, for complicated infections - 100 mg 2 times a day.
Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment lasts 5–14 days.

Cefotaxime

Representative of 3rd generation cephalosporins. It is often used as a first-line treatment for complicated colds. Cefotaxime is available only in powder form. A solution is prepared from it, which is administered intravenously or injected intramuscularly. Directions:

Dose – 1-2 g every 4-12 hours.
The powder is diluted in 4 ml of sterile water.
After injection, the bactericidal effect lasts 12 hours.
The duration of the course is determined individually.

When are antibiotics prescribed for ARVI?

Even worse, the patient can independently start taking any antibiotic based on his own experience or someone else’s advice. Seeing a doctor today takes a lot of time, and medications are very easy to obtain. No civilized country has such open access to medicines as in Russia.

Fortunately, today most pharmacies dispense antibiotics by prescription, but there is always a chance to get the drug without a prescription (by pitying the pharmacist or by choosing a pharmacy that values its turnover above all).

As for the treatment of a cold in a child, the situation is most often clouded by the fact that the pediatrician simply plays it safe and prescribes an effective, good, “children’s” antibiotic for a cold for prevention in order to avoid possible complications.

If in time the child begins to drink plenty of water, moisturize, ventilate the room, give antipyretic drugs for children at high temperatures, use well-known cold remedies and folk methods - the body should cope with the majority of respiratory viral infections.

Why then did the pediatrician prescribe antibiotics?

Because complications are possible. Yes, the risk of complications in preschool children is very high. Today, not every mother can boast of strong immunity and general good health of her child.

And the doctor in this case turns out to be guilty, did not notice, did not check, did not prescribe. Fear of accusations of incompetence, inattention, and the risk of prosecution pushes pediatricians to prescribe antibiotics for children with colds as a preventive measure.

It should be remembered that colds in 90% of cases are of viral origin, and viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Only in cases where the body could not cope with the virus and complications arose, a bacterial infection was added, localized in the oral cavity, nose, bronchi or lungs - only in this case are antibiotics indicated.

Laboratory tests confirming the bacterial nature of the infection are not always performed:

Since sputum and urine cultures are quite expensive for clinics today, they try to save on them.
The exceptions are swabs from the throat and nose for tonsillitis for Lefler's bacillus (the causative agent of diphtheria) and selective cultures of tonsil discharge for chronic tonsillitis or urine for pathologies of the urinary tract.
There is a greater chance of obtaining bacteriological confirmation of a microbial infection in hospital patients.
Indirect signs of bacterial inflammation will be changes in the clinical blood test. Here the doctor can be guided by an increase in ESR, an increase in the number of leukocytes and a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left (an increase in band and segmented leukocytes).

The presence of bacteria can be determined by eye by:

Changes in the color of the discharge of the nose, pharynx, ear, eyes, bronchi - from transparent it becomes cloudy, yellow or green.
Against the background of a bacterial infection, as a rule, there is a repeated rise in temperature (for example, with pneumonia complicating ARVI).
With bacterial inflammation in the urinary system, the urine will most likely become cloudy and a sediment visible to the eye will appear in it.
When intestinal microbes become infected, mucus, pus, or blood appear in the stool.

DETAILS: General urine test for adults. Normal indicators and interpretation of the results of clinical urine analysis

It is possible to understand that complications of ARVI have arisen by the following signs:

If, after the onset of an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold, following an improvement on the 5-6th day, the temperature rises again to 38-39 C, the state of health worsens, the cough intensifies, shortness of breath or chest pain appears when breathing and coughing - the risk of pneumonia is high.
If the sore throat intensifies at high temperatures or plaque appears on the tonsils, the cervical lymph nodes become enlarged, sore throat or diphtheria must be ruled out.
Pain in the ear appears, which intensifies when pressing on the tragus, or there is leakage from the ear - otitis media is likely.
Against the background of a runny nose, a pronounced nasal voice appeared, headaches in the forehead or face, which intensified when bending forward or lying down, the sense of smell completely disappeared - there are signs of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Many people ask what antibiotics to take for a cold, which antibiotic is better for a cold? If complications arise, the choice of antibiotic depends on:

localization of complications
age of child or adult
patient history
drug tolerance
and, of course, antibiotic resistance in the country where the disease occurred.

The appointment should only be made by the attending physician.

Mucopurulent runny nose (rhinitis), lasting less than 10-14 days
Nasopharyngitis
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral tonsillitis
Tracheitis, bronchitis (in some cases, with high fever and acute bronchitis, antibacterial drugs are necessary)
Attachment of herpetic infection (herpes on the lips)
Laryngitis in children (treatment)

With pronounced signs of reduced immunity - constant low-grade fever, more than 5 times a year, colds and viral diseases, chronic fungal and inflammatory diseases, HIV, any cancer or congenital disorders of the immune system
In a child under 6 months - rickets in an infant (symptoms, treatment), various malformations, with underweight
Against the background of certain blood diseases (agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia).

Bacterial tonsillitis (with the simultaneous exclusion of diphtheria by taking swabs from the throat and nose) requires treatment with penicillins or macrolides.
Purulent lymphadenitis requires broad-spectrum antibiotics, consultation with a surgeon, and sometimes a hematologist.
Laryngotracheitis or acute bronchitis or exacerbation of chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis will require macrolides (Macropen), in some cases a chest x-ray to exclude pneumonia.
Acute otitis media - the choice between macrolides and cephalosporins is made by an ENT doctor after otoscopy.
Pneumonia (see first signs of pneumonia, treatment of pneumonia in a child) - treatment with semi-synthetic penicillins after X-ray confirmation of the diagnosis with mandatory monitoring of the effectiveness of the drug and X-ray control.
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis) - the diagnosis is established using x-ray examination and characteristic clinical signs. Treatment is carried out by an otolaryngologist (see signs of sinusitis in adults).

Let us give an example of a study conducted on the basis of data from one children's clinic, analyzing data from the medical history and outpatient records of 420 children aged 1-3 years. In 89% of cases, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory infections were recorded in children, in 16% acute bronchitis, in 3% otitis media and only 1% pneumonia and other infections.

And in 80% of cases, antibiotics were prescribed only for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract during acute respiratory disease and ARVI; for pneumonia and bronchitis in 100% of cases. Most doctors, in theory, know that it is inadmissible to use antibacterial agents for a cold or viral infection, but for a number of reasons:

administrative settings
early age of children
preventive measures to reduce complications
reluctance to invest in assets

they are still prescribed, sometimes in short 5-day courses and with a dose reduction, which is extremely undesirable. Also, the spectrum of pathogens causing acute respiratory infections in children was not taken into account. In 85-90% of cases these are viruses, and among bacterial agents it is pneumococcus in 40%, Haemophilus influenzae in 15%, fungi and staphylococcus in 10%, and less commonly atypical pathogens - chlamydia and mycoplasma.

If complications develop due to the virus, the following antibiotics are prescribed only as prescribed by a doctor, according to the severity of the disease, age, and medical history of the patient:

Penicillin series - in the absence of allergic reactions to penicillins, it is possible to use semi-synthetic penicillins (Flemoxin solutab, Amoxicillin). For severe resistant infections, among penicillin drugs, doctors give preference to “protected penicillins” (amoxicillin clavulanic acid), Amoxiclav, Ecoclave, Augmentin, Flemoclav Solutab. These are first-line drugs for sore throats.
Cephalosporin series - Cefixime (Suprax, Pancef, Ixim Lupin), Cefuroxime axetil (Zinacef, Supero, Aksetin, Zinnat), etc.
Macrolides - usually prescribed for chlamydial, mycoplasma pneumonia or infections of the ENT organs - Azithromycin (Sumamed, Zetamax, Zitrolide, Hemomycin, Z-factor, Azitrox), Macropen - the drug of choice for bronchitis.
Fluoroquinolones are prescribed in cases of intolerance to other antibiotics, as well as in cases of bacterial resistance to penicillin drugs - Levofloxacin (Tavanic, Floracid, Hyleflox, Glevo, Flexid), Moxifloxacin (Avelox, Plevilox, Moximac). Fluoroquinolones are completely prohibited for use in children, since the skeleton is not yet formed, and also because these are “reserve” drugs that can be useful to a person when he grows up, in the treatment of drug-resistant infections.

In general, the problem of choosing an antibiotic for today is a task for the doctor, which he must solve in such a way as to help the patient as much as possible in the present and not cause harm in the future. The problem is complicated by the fact that pharmaceutical companies, in pursuit of today's profits, absolutely do not take into account the seriousness of the increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and throw into the wide net those antibacterial novelties that could be kept in reserve for the time being.

DETAILS: Anti-conjunctivitis eye drops for children with antibiotic

If your doctor has prescribed you an antibacterial drug, you should familiarize yourself with 11 rules on how to take antibiotics correctly.

Main conclusions:

Antibiotics are indicated for bacterial infections, and 80-90% of colds are of viral origin, so taking them is not only pointless, but also harmful.
Antibiotics have serious side effects, such as inhibition of liver and kidney function, allergic reactions, they reduce immunity, and cause an imbalance in the intestinal microflora and mucous membranes in the body.
Taking antibiotics to prevent complications of viral-bacterial infections is unacceptable. The task of the child’s parents is to consult a doctor in time, and the therapist or pediatrician is to promptly detect a possible deterioration in the well-being of the child or adult and only in this case take the “heavy artillery” in the form of antibiotics.
The main criterion for the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy is a decrease in body temperature to 37-38 ° C, relief of the general condition; in the absence of this, the antibiotic should be replaced with another. The effectiveness of the antibiotic is assessed within 72 hours and only after that the drug is changed.
Frequent and uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the development of resistance of microorganisms, and each time a person will need more and more aggressive drugs, often the simultaneous use of 2 or more antibacterial agents at once.

Answers:

“general infectious” syndrome (the child is shivering, there may be pain in the muscles, in the head, there is weakness, the temperature rises, the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged);
damage to the respiratory system (nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough or with sputum production);
damage to the mucous membranes (soreness and redness in the eye area, lacrimation, conjunctivitis).

Universal

Penicillins.
Tetracyclines.
Erythromycin.
Quinolones.
Metronidazole.
Vancomycin.
Imipenem.
Aminoglycoside.
Levomycetin (chloramphenicol).
Neomycin.
Monomycin.
Rifamcin.
Cephalosporins.
Kanamycin.
Streptomycin.
Ampicillin.
Azithromycin.

Types of antibiotics prescribed to children

Since children's bodies are very sensitive, the safety of medications is especially important. For this reason, young children are allowed to take the least toxic options of antibiotics with minimal side effects.

The form of release of the drug also plays a huge role in this matter. For children under 5 years of age, syrups and suspensions are specially produced, which are prepared from powder or granules diluted with warm water. Older children are prescribed dissolving tablets.

There are a huge number of varieties of antibacterial drugs intended for internal use, designed for the child’s body:

Penicillins. Among them are Amoxicillin, Amosin, Flemoxin Solutab. They have a wide spectrum of action and cause the least number of negative reactions.
Protected penicillins. For example, “Amoxiclav”, “Flemoklav” or “Augmentin” (we recommend reading: how to give “Flemoklav Solutab” to children?). Thanks to the addition of clavulanic acid, they are resistant to the enzyme beta-lactamase.
Cephalosporins of 4 generations (we recommend reading: how to use cephalosporins in suspension for children?). Low toxicity and have a wider range of effects. These include Cephalexin, Zinnat, Suprax (we recommend reading: how to prepare Suprax suspension for children?). Antibiotics of this group are contraindicated for use in newborns under 1 month.
Macrolides. Hypoallergenic, but slower acting. Effective if the pathogens are intracellular chlamydia, mycoplasma and legionella. Among them are “Midecamycin”, “Sumamed”, “Clarithromycin” (we recommend reading: how many days should a child take “Sumamed”?).
Nitrofurans. For example, “Nifuroxazide”, “Furazidin”, “Nifuratel”. Their use is advisable for intestinal, protozoal infections and urinary tract infections.

Rules for taking antibacterial agents

Antibiotics for colds are taken following the following instructions:

Treated using one class of antibacterial agents.
If the temperature persists after 2 days of taking antibiotics, consult a doctor. He will choose another drug.
Do not take antipyretic pills and antibiotics at the same time. Fever medications reduce the effectiveness of antibacterial medications.
Do not interrupt treatment immediately after symptoms disappear. Duration of therapy is at least 5 days.
Antibiotics are used as a last resort and under the supervision of a doctor.

When is it appointed?

Typically, the definition of a “cold” includes:

slight runny nose,
cough,
sneezing,
ORZ,
ARVI,
flu and even herpes.

A cold is an accelerated proliferation of harmful microorganisms , provoked by hypothermia or infection (viral or bacterial).

If the above reasons are present, pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in the child, usually in the nose and mouth area. In a favorable environment, they are activated, causing cough and runny nose.

Thus, the disease is provoked by bacteria and viruses. And it is for bacterial or fungal infections that doctors can prescribe antibiotics . If the cold is viral in nature, then treatment with these drugs will not bring benefit.

On a note! The need to take antibiotics for a cold will depend on the severity of the disease. The more “aggressive” the bacteria behave, the greater the likelihood of using antibiotics in treatment.

In some non-cold situations, the use of antibiotics is necessary because:

Other ailments of a bacterial nature may “hide” behind the symptoms of a cold;
A bacterial infection can also join a viral infection;
The child’s body may be weakened due to frequent illnesses.

Usually the decision on treatment with drugs is made by a specialist doctor. The standard course of antibiotics lasts 5-14 days.

Antibiotics and pregnancy

This situation requires that therapy be carried out with special caution so as not to harm the unborn baby. Taking such medications may adversely affect the fetus. The question of whether influenza can be treated with antibiotics in expectant mothers has always been very controversial. Their appointment is justified if there is a threat to the girl’s life. For drug treatment, it is necessary to select gentle drugs; not every drug is suitable for a woman waiting for a replenishment, or a nursing mother.

To select the appropriate medication and determine which antibiotics are recommended for influenza in this case, a specialist needs to diagnose the causative agent of the disease and determine its resistance to various drugs. After this, the doctor will select a gentle dosage and duration of the course of drug treatment.

If the form of the disease in a pregnant woman is severe, then the therapist will choose a drug that the expectant mother can drink. There are drugs that have not been shown to have a negative effect on the fetus.

This list includes:

Cephalosporins . Cefazolin and Cefotaxime are considered suitable medications.
Penicillin antibiotics . The optimal solution would be to choose Oxacillin, Amoxicillin or Ampicillin.
Macrolides . Usually the therapist stops at Erythromycin or Azithromycin.

The greatest danger is the first trimester, since most drugs can harm the developing embryo. During this period, it is recommended to avoid the use of antibiotics. It is at this stage that the formation and formation of the baby’s internal organs and systems occurs.

In the second or third trimester, you can use this kind of medicine, but do not forget that each medicine has its own period of use. Only a therapist knows such nuances, so it is up to him to decide what antibiotics a pregnant woman can take for the flu.

Typically, experts recommend that the expectant mother undergo a course of injections instead of taking medications orally in the form of tablets or capsules. Antibiotics used during pregnancy can later be prescribed to a woman during breastfeeding. They can also be recommended for babies in their first year of life.

These medications can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Their effectiveness does not depend on cost. The task of such antibiotics is to cope with complications after acute respiratory diseases and influenza. But the final word on whether antibiotics can be taken for the flu rests with the specialist.

Types of antibiotics for children

The origin of drugs can be natural or synthetic. It is more convenient for small children to give syrups (suspensions) or tablets. Injections may be required in more severe situations.

Antibiotics are divided into a large number of groups, each of which performs its own function and affects a specific system. There is a separate category of drugs - broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are characterized by a large number of side effects. In what cases are they prescribed:

if the infection has struck the body in a severe form and there is simply no time to find out the causative agent of the disease;
the body is capable of developing immunity to certain drugs, so repeated use may not bring success during the course of the disease;
if there are several causative agents of the disease.

Penicillins

They can be prescribed for diseases such as scarlet fever, skin infections, otitis media, tonsillitis, sinusitis. Often, such drugs can cause addiction or severe allergic reactions.

If they are used several times, the body may not respond as expected. But this category contains the most medications that can be prescribed to newborn babies. So what is included in this category:

"Amoxiclav" in the form of a suspension, for children from 1 year;
"Amoxicillin" for infants and up to 5 years. The dosage is selected according to the body weight and age of the baby;
"Augmentin" is intended for children from birth, available in the form of powder for suspensions;
"Ampicillin";
Flemoxin Solutab” dose is calculated based on the child’s weight, allowed from birth;
"Amosin";

Macrolides

This category of medications is allowed only taking into account special indications: severe condition with pneumonia, acute chronic tonsillitis, whooping cough, purulent or simply severe sore throat, sinusitis, acute otitis media. They do not kill pathogens, but interfere with their action. Let's look at the drugs in this category:

"Azimed";
"Azithromycin";
"Hemomycin";
"Azitral";
“Sumamed” simple and Forte;
"Azitrox";
Zetamax";
"Zitrolide";
"Erythromycin";
"Clarithromycin";
"Ecositrin";
"Rulid";
"Macroped";
"Klacid";
"Fromilid";
"Ormax";
"Clubax".

Cephalosporin antibiotics for children

These are medications that are prescribed for a very severe and acute form of an infectious disease. This is a semi-synthetic type that has a much gentler effect on the child’s body than penicillins.

Prescription of antibiotics must be justified

There are practically no allergic reactions from these drugs; they are considered the most effective. Here are cephalosporin medications approved for use in children:

"Cefixime" in two forms - suspension (babies from 6 months) and tablets (teenagers);
"Cefotaxime";
"Zinnat";
"Pancef";
"Cefuroxime";
"Axetil";
"Ceftriaxone";
"Cephalex";
"Ceforal Solutab";
"Zinacef" is effective for serious infectious diseases of the respiratory system, meningitis and joint problems. Release form – powder for injection;
Suprax is produced in granules from which suspensions are made. Can be used for children from 6 months.

Tetracyclines

A category of drugs that are very effective against a large number of fungi and bacteria. The following medications are widely used:

"Tetracycline";
"Doxycycline."

Aminoglycosides

These are categories of universal drugs that are resistant to other drugs - antibiotics. They are used for the development of infections of the genital and urinary tract and respiratory organs. List of medications:

"Streptomycin";
"Gentamicin."

Quinols

They are not prescribed to minors and are very potent. There are a lot of side effects, the most important thing is that fluoroquinols interfere with the formation of cartilage. This group includes:

"Avelox";
"Ofloxacin";
"Tarivid";
"Zanocin";
"Zoflox";
"Ciprofloxacin";
"Ecocifol";
"Ciprinol";
"Tsifran";
"Tsiprobay";
"Tsipromed";
"Levofloxacin";
"Tsiprolet";
"Eleflox";
"Glevo";
"Hyleflox";
"Tavanik";
"Levolet";
"Ecolevid";
"Floracid";
"Flexid".

Antibiotics are not prescribed for ARVI

Antifungal

What medications will be needed for diseases caused by fungal pathogens:

"Amphotericin";
"Ketoconazole";
"Nystatin";
"Levorin."

Effective natural antibiotics for children

In addition to aggressive synthetic antibiotics, there are high-quality natural analogues that have a milder effect. The first category disrupts the coordinated work of the intestinal microflora, practically nullifies all the protective functions of the body, the body needs to be restored. The second category includes berries that perfectly perform the function of an antibiotic:

cranberry;
viburnum;
raspberries;
black currant;
blueberry;
sea buckthorn.

If you take viburnum, you can get rid of a cold at the very initial stage and remove unpleasant symptoms. To maximize the effect, add it to your child’s diet.

For example, you can grind berries with a small amount of sugar and take 1 tsp. in a day. They are characterized by good bactericidal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Honey is an excellent folk natural remedy for colds.

You may be surprised, but such natural antibiotics include garlic, thyme, cinnamon, and basil. The listed remedies are not a panacea for serious diseases, do not self-medicate! Suitable therapy should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

What antibiotics should be used to treat children with colds? List and recommendations for use

It is recommended to take the drug strictly at the same time, strictly following the dosage schedule. If the child does not get better within 2 or more days, the treatment regimen must be reconsidered. The same applies to cases when the condition worsens or severe adverse reactions occur. Antibiotics for children under one year of age have several more rules for taking them:

Complete the course of treatment. Do not interrupt or stop taking the drug without consulting a doctor.
Refuse antibiotics if diagnostics have denied the presence of a bacterial infection.
Take the suspension only with clean, non-carbonated water. Do not use milk, tea or juices.
Do not combine antibacterial agents with antihistamines or antifungals without a doctor's prescription.
Do not give antipyretic drugs at the same time. By reducing the fever, they create the illusion of recovery.
Monitor the expiration date of the suspension. More often it is 5-20 days.

Indications for antibacterial therapy

You can take antibiotics only according to indications and a specific regimen.

The doctor prescribes antibacterial agents in the following cases:

frequent exacerbation of chronic diseases against the background of ARVI;
weakened immune system in young children;
symptoms of intoxication;
addition of purulent infection;
concomitant anaerobic and streptococcal infection;
pneumonia, otitis media, abscess;
damage to the lymph nodes;
bacterial infection of the respiratory system and throat.

In some cases, antibiotics need to be taken as a preventative measure. This applies to people with weakened immune systems, who are likely to develop complications.

When treating a severe viral infection, an accurate diagnosis must be established to justify taking antibiotics. It is important to know which drug certain bacteria are sensitive to. The list of medications will be different for diseases of the respiratory tract, skin, genitourinary system and other organs. It is possible to determine which antibiotics will affect the bacterium only after a bacteriological study. Unfortunately, many people ignore these important rules, taking antibacterial drugs even for a mild cold, which later leads to a more severe course of the viral infection.

For example, for inflammation of the respiratory tract, the drug Amoxiclav, Sumamed, Avelox, Suprax, Hemomycin may be prescribed.

Indications for taking antibiotics may include the following diseases:

pneumonia, purulent lymphadenitis;
purulent sore throat, otitis media, sinusitis.

What are antibiotics for children

Antibiotics are special medications, natural or synthetic. Their task is to suppress the vital activity of fungi and bacteria, which become causative agents of complex infectious diseases. If the nature of the disease is viral, these drugs are powerless.

The peculiarity of their use is that there are a large number of restrictions and contraindications, so using them without a doctor’s prescription is prohibited. Their help is resorted to if the disease progresses to a severe form.

Why are antibiotics necessary?

Colds are accompanied by combined infections. Viral agents that lead to respiratory illnesses greatly reduce the body's defenses. Respiratory diseases are viral in nature only 3-4 days after pathogenic microbes enter the body.

With weakened immunity, bacterial infections are added to pathologies of a viral nature. Bacteria, rapidly multiplying, cause inflammatory processes. Strains of staphylococci, streptococci and other pathogens are formed in the body. Only an effective antibiotic can destroy them.

You cannot take antibiotics on your own. Uncontrolled treatment leads to complications. Only a doctor who has studied the test results can select a medicine.

Are injections for colds and flu really necessary?

Many people think that there is no point in prescribing antibiotics for ARVI, since these are antibacterial drugs and have no effect on viruses.
So why are they still prescribed? Let's figure it out. If a cold is caused by a viral infection, it is more logical to take antiviral medications at the first symptoms and carry out detoxification and symptomatic treatment as indicated.

Antibiotic therapy is usually added about a week after the discovery of a cold, if the treatment for a viral infection is considered ineffective, the patient’s condition worsens or remains unchanged.

In addition, situations often occur when, against the background of decreased immunity provoked by an acute respiratory viral infection, additional bacterial pathology develops. This is where the use of antibiotics becomes possible and even necessary.

Antibiotics are drugs with complex and multifaceted effects; they are taken with certain precautions: precise adherence to the dosage and time of administration, determination of the sensitivity of the bacterial flora, and the simultaneous use of certain antifungal and immunomodulatory drugs.

Therefore, the best decision when choosing an antibiotic drug is a preliminary consultation with a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist, who will advise you on the most effective drug specifically for your case.

If, within a few days after the onset of acute respiratory viral infection, you notice the appearance of painful lymph nodes and sore throat, plaque on the tonsils, shooting in the ear, prolonged persistent purulent runny nose, wheezing in the lungs, high temperatures (more than three days), then the use of antibiotics in such cases is quite justified.

In order for antibiotics to have the expected effect, first of all they must be correctly selected: the spectrum of action, localization, dosage and period of administration are determined.

To achieve positive dynamics, cure the disease and not harm the body, you must strictly adhere to the general rules for taking antibiotics:

the prescription of an antibiotic should be determined by the presence or possibility of a bacterial infection;
when taking an antibiotic, its required constant concentration in the blood must be determined: if the doctor prescribed an antibiotic 5 times a day, then it should be taken exactly 5 times, and you should not reduce the dosage on your own or change the treatment regimen, this will unbalance your and the bacterial microflora ;
You should not stop taking antibiotics immediately after the first signs of relief; the course of treatment must be completed: an incomplete course only weakens the strength of the bacteria, and for a complete recovery it is necessary for them to completely die. Without destroying them completely, you risk getting sick again soon, or acquiring a chronic form of the disease;
while taking antibiotics, it is necessary to take measures to prevent dysbiosis, since these drugs can have a detrimental effect not only on pathogenic microflora, but also on healthy intestinal flora: against the background of antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take antifungal agents, as well as drugs that support beneficial microflora in the body;
to prevent the toxic effects of antibiotics, it is necessary to take a sufficient amount of fluid, including fermented milk products;
eat more vitamins, drink juices, and get out in the sun and fresh air as often as possible.

There are cases of antibiotics being prescribed for acute viral pathologies, and they are far from isolated. Of course, you shouldn’t take antibacterial drugs unless necessary, however, there are many reasonable reasons for prescribing them:

the presence of chronic, often exacerbating inflammation of the middle ear;
young children with signs of unfavorable development: underweight, lack of calcium and vitamin D, weakened immunity, abnormalities in the functioning of the body;
the presence of symptoms of chronic weakness of the body's defense system (frequent inflammatory processes, colds, unmotivated fevers, purulent processes, mycoses, persistent disorders of the digestive system, malignant neoplasms, AIDS, congenital abnormalities of the immune system, autoimmune pathology).

Also, the use of antibiotics is effective and understandable for some complications:

the addition of a purulent infection (sinusitis, lesions of the lymph nodes, abscesses, phlegmon, bacterial infection of the throat and respiratory system);
simultaneous development of bacterial tonsillitis (purulent, with the presence of streptococcal or anaerobic infection);
formation of background ear inflammations;
the addition of an inflammatory process in the lungs of any etiology.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to weakened patients as a prophylactic agent in the fight against complications.

Antibiotics that are usually prescribed for ARVI are representatives of the following groups:

penicillin series - oxacillin, ampicillin sodium salt, ampiox - antibacterial drugs that have a broad bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect, are quickly absorbed, effectively act on pneumococcal, meningococcal, streptococcal infections;
cephalosporin series - cephaloridin, cephalexin, cefazolin, cefatrexil - low-toxic antibiotics, act on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, inhibit even penicillin-resistant strains;
tetracycline series - tetracycline hydrochloride, morphocycline, doxycycline - inhibit protein synthesis in the microbial cell, active antibacterial drugs;
aminoglycosides - gentamicin, amikacin - popular antibiotics for severe infections;
macrolide antibiotics - erythromycin, azithromycin - inhibit bacterial growth;
other groups of antibiotics – lincomycin, rifampicin.

The choice of antibiotic is determined by its spectrum of action and the degree of influence on the bacterial cell. Before taking medications, carefully read the instructions, or better yet, consult your doctor.

Antibiotics, as a rule, are not prescribed from the first days of the disease. The viral etiology of ARVI involves the use primarily of antiviral drugs (rimantadine, zanamivir).

Antibiotic therapy in adults is used when the following signs are detected:

prolonged (more than three days) high body temperature;
symptoms of general intoxication of the body (headache, dizziness, nausea, cyanosis);
wheezing, difficulty breathing, inability to cough up the contents of the bronchi, heaviness behind the sternum;
increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR);
increased number of leukocytes in the blood;
the appearance of visible foci of microbial damage (cellulitis, abscesses, boils, purulent sinusitis);
lack of positive dynamics in the development of the disease (despite treatment, pathological symptoms progress);
old age and weakened immune system of the body.

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Antibiotics are prescribed for ARVI in adults, also in mixed and complicated forms of the disease.

Many parents, when their child develops an acute respiratory viral infection, rush to give him some kind of antibiotic, sometimes without any reason. There is no need to rush into antibiotic therapy, especially when it comes to children.

Here are some principles according to which antibiotics are prescribed for ARVI in children:

antibiotics are used only if there is a high probability or a proven bacterial etiology of the pathological condition;
when determining the antibiotic for treatment, the most likely causative agents of the infectious disease are taken into account, and the possibility of the child receiving antibacterial therapy for any other disease recently is clarified;
the choice of therapeutic effects on a child involves the prescription of drugs with a low level of toxicity;
many antibacterial drugs have their own restrictions on age-related use;
Antibiotic dosing for children is usually based on the child's total body weight.

Uncomplicated forms of ARVI usually do not require the use of antibiotics. They are prescribed for concomitant inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, tonsillitis, otitis, and signs of pneumonia.

Influenza is essentially the same viral infection, characterized, unlike ARVI, by a more abrupt onset and the possibility of developing more serious complications.

Let's return to the question: are antibiotics equally needed for ARVI and influenza?

The causative agent of influenza is also a virus, so unmotivated prescription of antibiotic therapy for influenza is not recommended. Firstly, this is an additional toxic effect on the liver and gastrointestinal tract, and secondly, the possible development of resistance of the bacterial flora to the antibiotic.

Antibiotic therapy should be added to symptomatic and antiviral therapy only in cases of prolonged continuous fever, chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, kidneys, cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, and decreased immune defense.

You should start taking antibiotics only as prescribed by your doctor; you should not take them on your own or unreasonably.

Some of the most effective antibacterial drugs for ARVI are the following:

The cephalosporin series includes cefexin, ceporin, and asetil - semisynthetic drugs with a wide spectrum of effects. Three generations of these drugs are known. The bacteriostatic effect allows the use of these antibiotics for any infectious diseases of the respiratory system. Adults can take the drugs in a daily dose of 400 mg, divided into two doses. The course of treatment is 1-2 weeks;
The fluoroquinolone series is represented by moxifloxacin and levofloxacin, which are characterized by rapid absorption and good bactericidal effect. Adults are prescribed 0.5 g per day. Not recommended for use in pediatric practice;
The macrolide series is represented by erythromycin, azithromycin, used for sinusitis, sore throat, otitis media, and pneumonia. It is permissible to take these drugs during pregnancy. Take 5-6 times a day, 0.25 g;
The penicillin series consists of antibiotic derivatives of penicillin: ampicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin. Can be used in pediatrics, as they have a low degree of toxicity. The daily dose is from two to three grams, taken 4 times.

In what cases is taking antibiotics justified?

Any viral infection at the very beginning of the disease usually occurs without complications and can be fought without the use of strong medications. It is enough just to observe bed rest, drink plenty of fortified liquids, perform rubbing and steam inhalations, and take antiviral drugs prescribed by the doctor.

deterioration of a person’s health on the fifth or sixth day from the onset of the disease, despite active treatment of a cold;
increased body temperature above 38˚C;
increased attacks of dry cough;
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain;
the color of the sputum that is released from the bronchi and nose changes (it becomes yellowish-green, cloudy);
the sense of smell disappears, hoarseness occurs;
lymph nodes become inflamed and increase in size;
the urine becomes cloudy, pus, blood or mucus appears in the stool.

A bacterial infection can result in very serious complications: bacterial sinusitis, acute otitis media, myocarditis, pneumonia, purulent tonsillitis, acute bronchitis. Therefore, if such symptoms appear, treatment must be carried out with antibacterial drugs.

New generation drugs

The division of antibiotics into groups is heterogeneous. Cephalosporins have 4 generations, fluoroquinolones and macrolides have 3. Modern drugs have fewer side effects and are not so toxic to the body. The list of new generation antibiotics includes:

Avelox – 644 rub. for 5 pcs.;
Gatispan – 2200 for 5 tablets of 400 mg;
Rulid – 1000 for 10 pcs.

Avelox

It belongs to the fluoroquinolones and has high antibacterial activity against almost all pathogens, excluding viruses. After administration, a significant concentration of the active substance Avelox is observed in all tissues and cavities of the body. This provides a powerful bactericidal effect. Directions:

Avelox is available in the form of a solution and tablets, so it is used for a step-by-step treatment regimen.
The drug is administered intravenously every day for 60 minutes. When improvement occurs, switch to 400 mg tablets daily.
The course of treatment is from 5 to 14 days.

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Gatispan

Another representative of fluoroquinolones, Gatispan, belongs to the 3rd generation. The product is available in the form of tablets of 200 and 400 mg and a solution in bottles of 200 and 400 ml. Particularly high concentrations of the active substance Gatispan are observed in the middle ear, bronchi, and lung tissue. For this reason, the drug is effective against bronchitis, pneumonia, acute otitis media and sinusitis. Directions:

For ENT diseases, take 200 mg 2 times a day for 10 days. or 400 mg 1 time/day.
In case of acute sinusitis, the course is extended to 2 weeks.

Rulid

Macrolide antibiotic Rulid is presented in coated tablets. The main advantage of the drug is low toxicity against the background of a bactericidal effect. The product has a narrow spectrum of bacterial activity against pathogens of ENT infections. The medicine is effective against:

chlamydia;
staphylococci;
mycoplasmas;
streptococci;
meningococci.

Rulid is used to treat pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis. When taken 2 times a day, the required concentration of the antibiotic is maintained for 24 hours. 150 mg of Rulid is taken every 12 hours. Sometimes doctors prescribe 300 mg 1 time per day. Treatment should last at least 5 days.

Features of application

Experts have compiled a number of recommendations that parents must follow when treating children with antibiotics:

If the doctor confirms the presence of a bacterial infection in the child’s body, he himself prescribes the appropriate treatment. Never self-medicate, especially with such serious drugs! This can lead to dire consequences;
therapy is carried out strictly at a certain time, without violating the regime;
in order to wash down a tablet or syrup (suspension), only plain non-carbonated water is used;
Be sure to simultaneously take a course of probiotics - drugs that strengthen and restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Another condition: take vitamins for several days after finishing taking antibiotics;
if tests show that the infection is not bacterial, treatment is stopped immediately;
If the child’s condition worsens or if therapy does not work, treatment must be adjusted as soon as possible. Also, this is important when serious side effects are identified or a pathogen has been identified;
Never combine antibiotics with antihistamines, immunomodulators and antifungal agents.

With the right treatment tactics, the child should feel better 2–3 days after the start of the course. But do not stop taking the medicine yourself - you need to drink as much as the doctor prescribed.

For cough and runny nose

A runny nose and cough can be accompanying symptoms of diseases such as:

tuberculosis;
bacterial bronchitis;
pneumonia;
pleurisy;
angina;
chlamydia or mycoplasma in the respiratory tract;
purulent tracheitis.

Some products have an antibiotic effect

First of all, make sure that the disease is indeed bacterial. If you have a severe cough, submit sputum for clinical analysis for correct further treatment. If your health has deteriorated significantly, you should definitely take a broad-spectrum antibiotic approved for children.

Medicines are selected depending on the age category and weight of the baby. For a runny nose and cough, the following medications may be prescribed:

if a child has not only a runny nose, but also a dry or wet cough, penicillins are used: Amoxicillin, Flemoxin, Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Ospamox;
macrolide category: “Sumamed”, “Rulid”, “Azithromycin”, “Klacid”, “Clarithromycin”, “Macropen”;
Cephalosporins are prescribed as a last resort if penicillins have not helped: Cefixime, Cefuroskim, Suprax or Cefotaxime.

At high temperature

It is worth remembering that most often a high temperature rises precisely during ARVI. But there are serious exceptions:

a bacterial disease can be suspected if the baby had a cold, but the symptoms soon returned;
persistent elevated temperature lasts more than 3 days. It cannot be brought down either by antipyretic or antiviral drugs;
The first symptom is discomfort in the throat. The second is a runny nose. Third, the temperature rises. If the symptomatic picture is observed gradually, it is most likely that the nature of the disease is bacterial.

If the body temperature rises, the following may be prescribed:

"Ampicillin";
"Sumamed";
"Klacid";
"Cefotaxime";
"Augmentin";
"Suprax";
"Clarithromycin";
"Cefix";
"Flemoclav Solutab";
"Azithromycin";
"Cefazolin";
"Ceftriaxone".

The safest antibiotic

It is very undesirable for children to take aminoglycoside antibiotics - they have strong side effects. Problems with the kidneys and hearing may occur.

If possible, it is better to avoid tetracycline therapy - they have a detrimental effect on cartilage and bone tissue. Let's consider the safest drugs from a medical point of view, with “milder” consequences for a small organism:

macrolide group: “Sumamed”, “Erythromycin”, “Clarithromycin”, “Hemomycin”, “Azithromycin”;
penicillins: “Oxacillin”, “Flemoxin Solutab”, “Augmentin”, “Amoxiclav”, “Amoxicillin”, “Ampicillin”;
cephalosporins: “Aksetin”, “Zinnat”, “Zinacef”, “Cealexin”, “Cephilim”, “Cefexime”;
fluoroquinols: Ciprofloxacin, Moximac, Levofloxacin, Avelox.