Antibiotics
Antibiotics clear bacterial infections, not viruses. Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) carry boxed warnings for tendon rupture and nerve damage, and finishing the full course helps prevent resistance.
Chloromycetin
Chloramphenicol
250/500mg
Chloromycetin is a antibiotics medication containing Chloramphenicol, available as 250/500mg tablets.
Furadantin
Nitrofurantoin
50/100mg
Furadantin is a antibiotics medication containing Nitrofurantoin, available as 50/100mg tablets.
Ornidazole Tablets
Ornidazole
500mg
Ornidazole Tablets is a antibiotics medication containing Ornidazole, available as 500mg tablets.
Rifampin Tablets
Rifampicin
150/300/450/600mg
Rifampin Tablets is a antibiotics medication containing Rifampicin, available as 150/300/450/600mg tablets.
Terramycin
Oxytetracycline
250mg
Terramycin is a antibiotics medication containing Oxytetracycline, available as 250mg tablets.
Tinidazole Tablets
Tinidazole
500mg
Tinidazole Tablets is a antibiotics medication containing Tinidazole, available as 500mg tablets.
Trecator-SC
Ethionamide
250mg
Trecator-SC is a antibiotics medication containing Ethionamide, available as 250mg tablets.
Vibramycin
Doxycycline
100mg
Vibramycin is a antibiotics medication containing Doxycycline, available as 100mg tablets.
Zithromax Dispersible
Azithromycin
100mg
Zithromax Dispersible is a antibiotics medication containing Azithromycin, available as 100mg tablets.
Key takeaways
- Antibiotics treat bacterial infections only; they don't work on viral illnesses like colds or flu.
- Main families: penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, each suited to different infection sites.
- Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin) carry boxed warnings for tendon rupture, aortic tears, and nerve damage; reserved for infections other antibiotics can't treat.
- The number one rule: finish the full course as prescribed, even once you feel better, since stopping early lets surviving bacteria develop resistance.
How antibiotics work
Antibiotics kill bacteria directly or stop them multiplying, letting your immune system clear the rest. Classes attack different targets: the cell wall, protein production, or DNA replication, so the right choice depends on the bacteria involved.
Choosing between amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and other antibiotics
- Amoxicillin (with clavulanic acid, and ampicillin): a penicillin for respiratory, ear, and urinary infections; often paired with clavulanic acid to overcome resistance.
- Cephalosporins (cephalexin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefpodoxime, cefdinir): related to penicillins, for skin, respiratory, and urinary infections; usually tolerated with a mild penicillin allergy.
- Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin): penicillin alternatives for respiratory and skin infections; azithromycin's long half-life allows shorter courses.
- Tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline): treat skin, respiratory, and some sexually transmitted infections; cause sun sensitivity and are avoided in pregnancy and children since they discolor developing teeth.
- Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin): broad-spectrum for urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, but carry boxed warnings for tendon rupture (especially the Achilles tendon), aortic aneurysm/dissection, and peripheral nerve damage, so reserved for infections other antibiotics can't treat.
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: combination for urinary and some respiratory infections, blocking two steps of bacterial folate production.
- Nitrofurantoin: concentrates in urine; used specifically for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
- Metronidazole, tinidazole and ornidazole: nitroimidazoles for oxygen-avoiding bacteria and parasitic infections; avoid alcohol during and briefly after treatment, since the combination causes severe flushing.
- Clindamycin: reaches deep tissue, bone, skin, and dental infections.
- Chloramphenicol: reserved for serious infections when other options aren't suitable, due to a rare but serious risk of aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure with too few blood cells); requires close medical oversight.
- Linezolid: treats resistant bacteria such as MRSA and VRE when other antibiotics fail.
- Rifaximin: stays mostly in the gut rather than being absorbed; used for traveler's diarrhea and certain liver-related conditions.
The remaining group, rifampin, ethambutol, clofazimine, ethionamide and cycloserine, are specialized antibiotics for tuberculosis and leprosy combination regimens under close supervision, since resistance develops fast without combination therapy or a full course.
Common questions
Why do I need to finish the whole course?
Stopping early can leave the hardiest bacteria alive to multiply and spread resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a well-documented global problem, and finishing the course is one thing you control that helps limit it.
Can I take antibiotics for a cold or flu?
No. Colds and flu are viral, and antibiotics have no effect on them. Taking antibiotics you don't need still exposes your body's bacteria to the drug, contributing to resistance without treating your illness.
Safety essentials
- Tell your prescriber about any drug allergies, especially to penicillins, before starting a new antibiotic.
- Fluoroquinolones require caution with a history of tendon problems, aortic disease, or aneurysm; stop and seek care immediately for sudden tendon pain or swelling.
- Chloramphenicol requires blood monitoring for its rare aplastic anemia risk and is reserved for infections where safer options won't work.
- Finish the complete course as prescribed and never share leftover antibiotics.
- Seek urgent care for a severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.
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