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Antibiotics for bronchitis in adults: when prescribed, names
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Antibiotics for bronchitis in adults are used in the case of the presence of a bacterial pathogen in the human body, as a result of which an inflammatory reaction develops in the bronchi.
Bronchitis is one of the most common pathologies of the respiratory system.
The disease may be caused by viruses, so before using antibacterial agents, you should make sure of the etiology of the disease. There is a possibility that the disease may begin with ARVI with typical clinical manifestations - chills, low fever, weakness, nasal congestion and possibly a sore throat. However, as it progresses, the trachea and bronchi may be involved in the pathological process.
At this stage, it is rational to use antiviral drugs to combat the causative factor. In some cases, with inadequate treatment, a secondary infection may occur, which in most cases is caused by bacteria. Only at this stage should antibacterial drugs be taken.
Among them, we can highlight macrolides, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and tetracyclines, but in each case the degree of intoxication and the general health of the person should be taken into account.
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Indications for the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
Indications for the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults are based on the presence of a bacterial pathogen in the body, as well as the clinical picture of the disease.
In case of viral genesis of bronchitis development, taking antibacterial drugs will not only fail to get rid of the pathogen and alleviate the condition, but will also negatively affect the condition of the body as a whole. Side effects can be expressed in changes in the intestinal microflora with disruption of its functioning and the development of diarrhea.
In addition, antibacterial drugs have an immunosuppressive effect on the body, which prevents the manifestation of an adequate level of human immune protection in response to toxic damage to the bronchi by the pathogen.
Indications for the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults also take into account the clinical manifestations of the disease. Among them, the most important is temperature, especially exceeding 38 degrees, cough with the release of mucous sputum with a green tint, as well as severe weakness and malaise.
Release form
The release form of antibacterial drugs is tablets or powder for solution and suspension. The latter form is used mainly in childhood, since babies cannot take a pill.
A tablet is a dosed form of a medicinal substance of solid consistency. During its production, medicinal and auxiliary substances, such as sugar, talc, starch, and sodium chloride, are pressed.
Some tablets are coated with a protective coating. This is necessary to prevent premature dissolution along the digestive tract.
Each tablet contains a certain amount of the main active ingredient and excipients. Based on this data, the tablet is characterized by its dosage, which makes it possible to strictly adhere to the recommended doses.
For adults, tablet and powder forms are used for intramuscular or intravenous administration of various dosages, which are selected taking into account the intensity of clinical manifestations, the duration of the pathological process and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Pharmacodynamics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
The pharmacodynamics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults is due to reactions that occur as a result of direct contact of the drug with the bacterial pathogen. This interaction is observed after the antibacterial drug enters the general bloodstream and takes a certain form, thanks to which it can circulate in the blood and get to the foci of maximum bacterial accumulation.
The success of the interaction of a medicinal antibacterial agent with a bacterial agent depends on the activity and life cycle of the latter. This phase can last from a couple of hours to several days, given the fact that some antibacterial drugs are characterized by modified release, which ensures the maintenance of a certain concentration of the main active substance in the blood.
Pharmacodynamics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults determines the strength of the effect on the bacterial pathogen. In addition, the method of administration of the drug should be taken into account, which determines the time of entry of the antibiotic into the blood and the onset of its action, as well as the dosage.
Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults is divided into the phase of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the drug. During these periods, the preparation and effect of the main active substance with the bacterial pathogen is ensured. The duration of pharmacokinetics consists of a period of time - from the moment the antibacterial drug enters the blood until its excretion from the body.
Intravenous administration of the drug ensures direct contact of the antibacterial agent with the pathogen circulating in the blood, which ensures the fastest possible delivery of the substance to the pathological focus.
Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults with intramuscular administration depends on its ability to dissolve in water and fats. It is also necessary to take into account the presence of barriers in the body, for example, the blood-brain barrier, which inhibits the activation of the antibacterial drug.
An obstacle to the effect of these drugs on the pathological focus may be the formation of a capsule due to the presence of a long-term inflammatory process that has become chronic.
Use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
The use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults is justified only if there is a bacterial pathogen in the body. A significant percentage of bronchitis is viral etiology, which determines the use of antiviral drugs. In this case, the use of antibacterial agents will become not only unnecessary, but also harmful.
The fact is that antibacterial drugs have a negative effect on the intestinal microflora, which leads to its dysfunction and diarrhea. In addition, the drugs suppress the body's immune defense, making it even more difficult for it to cope with the infection.
The use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults is necessary only in the case of a temperature increase above 38 degrees, pronounced clinical manifestations of intoxication, a long course (more than 3 weeks), a strong cough with phlegm and chest pain.
In laboratory studies, it is necessary to pay attention to ESR values exceeding 20 mm/h, the presence of leukocytosis and other signs of bacterial infection.
Method of administration and dosage
The method of administration and dosage of each antibiotic is selected individually, taking into account the severity of the process, age and the presence of concomitant pathology.
Thus, the daily dosage of protected penicillins (Amoxiclav, Flemoklav) for adults weighing over 40 kg is calculated based on the person's weight, using the formula 20-60 mg/5-15 mg per 1 kg of weight, depending on the severity of bronchitis. This dose should be taken three times.
From the macrolide group, Clarithromycin and Azithromycin are used in dosages of 250 mg and 500 mg. Given the severity of bronchitis, the daily dose may be 500 mg or 1000 mg, divided into 2 doses.
As for fluoroquinolones, they are reserve drugs, as they are used in severe stages. Ciprofloxacin is used in a dosage of 250 mg to 750 mg per dose. Thus, the daily dose is 500-1500 mg in 2 doses.
The method of application and doses of cephalosporins consist of using Ceftriaxone, Loraxone in the form of intravenous or intramuscular injections. The dose is calculated taking into account the stage of bronchitis and can be 1-2 g per day for a single use or twice a day for 1 g.
Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults concern individual intolerance due to the development of various genesis of adverse reactions from organs and systems. These features are laid down at the genetic level and do not depend on the person.
Any antibacterial drug can cause the development of an allergic reaction, the clinical manifestations of which have various symptoms. The time of their appearance and intensity depend on the method of administration of the antibacterial drug, as well as on the dose.
Thus, slight itching of the skin, rashes, redness, swelling up to anaphylactic shock are possible. When the first symptoms of allergy to the antibacterial agent appear, its administration should be stopped immediately. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood and accelerate its elimination.
Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults with prolonged use can provoke a change in the intestinal microflora with further disruption of its activity. The manifestation can be dysbacteriosis with diarrhea or candidiasis of varying prevalence.
Some antibacterial drugs are not approved for use during pregnancy, lactation, as well as in cases of liver, kidney and other systemic diseases.
Side effects of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
Side effects of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults may vary depending on the dose and group of antibacterial agent. Below is a list of side effects that occur most often and are typical for all types of antibiotics.
In addition, reactions caused by a certain antibiotic should be taken into account. Among the most common side effects, allergic reactions with the appearance of rashes, itching and swelling of the skin should be highlighted. The digestive system can react to antibacterial drugs with pain syndrome, nausea, diarrhea and dyspeptic disorders.
Side effects of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults can be observed in laboratory tests: an increase in the level of eosinophils, cellular composition and a decrease in blood clotting. Biochemical analysis assesses the degree of liver, pancreas and kidney dysfunction.
Some groups of antibacterial agents are neurotoxic and have a negative impact on hearing function and the immune system.
Overdose
Overdose is manifested by side effects to a more pronounced degree. Thus, allergic reactions can reach anaphylactic shock, the clinical manifestations of which are a decrease in blood pressure, cold sweat, shortness of breath, vomiting, as well as swelling of the larynx and loss of consciousness.
Treatment includes symptomatic therapy with support of the heart and respiratory system, antihistamines, hormonal agents, and, if necessary, mechanical ventilation or tracheostomy.
Overdose may result in kidney damage if a large dose of the drug is taken in the presence of diseases of the urinary system. Treatment tactics in severe cases involve the use of hemodialysis.
Liver failure develops as a result of liver cell damage with increased transaminase levels. Clinically, the pathology can be suspected by the onset of jaundice and biochemical blood test results.
In some cases, there is suppression of hematopoiesis and teratogenic effects. The digestive system reacts to large doses of the antibacterial agent with intestinal disorders, pain syndrome, nausea and vomiting.
Interaction of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults with other drugs
The interaction of antibiotics with other drugs for bronchitis in adults is based on the effect of the main antibacterial component on the drugs taken in parallel. In the case of combined use of anticoagulants and some antibacterial agents, an increased likelihood of bleeding is observed.
Hyperkalemia may occur when taking ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics and other drugs that contain potassium.
The interaction of antibiotics for bronchitis in adults with other drugs, such as oral contraceptives, reduces the effectiveness of the latter, which increases the risk of pregnancy.
Anticonvulsants exhibit greater effectiveness and, accordingly, their side effects when taken simultaneously with antibacterial agents.
The same thing happens when taking cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs, as a result of which their enhanced effect is observed. The drugs used for anesthesia also increase the likelihood of respiratory center depression and neuromuscular blockade.
Storage conditions for antibiotics for bronchitis in adults
The storage conditions for antibiotics for bronchitis in adults are characterized by certain parameters that must be observed to ensure normal storage of the drug.
Thus, it is necessary to maintain the room temperature no higher than 25 degrees, humidity at a certain level and ensure that direct sunlight does not reach the antibacterial agent.
Storage conditions for antibiotics for bronchitis in adults ensure the safety of the drug throughout the specified shelf life. During this period, the drug has medicinal properties until a certain date.
If the recommendations are not followed, the antibacterial drug has a high probability of losing its therapeutic properties and having a negative effect on the body after taking it.
In addition, it is necessary to store the drug in a place where children do not have access, since there is a high risk of overdose in childhood. Also, tablet drugs can close the lumen of the bronchus, which will lead to the development of an acute condition that threatens life.
Best before date
The expiration date is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the presence of medicinal properties specified in the instructions. The expiration date can have two dates: the first is the time of manufacture, and the second is the last time the antibacterial agent was taken.
In some cases, one date is indicated on the outer or inner packaging - the last use. After this period, it is forbidden to use the drug to avoid the development of side effects.
Most antibacterial drugs have a shelf life of 2 years, however, subject to storage conditions. If the temperature regime or integrity of the drug packaging is violated, its further use is not recommended.
Antibiotics for bronchitis in adults are used quite often, since at first people try to cure themselves with home methods, and only after several weeks of unsuccessful therapy, they seek help from a doctor. In addition, sometimes antibacterial drugs are used for viral infections, which not only does not bring the desired result, but also prevents the body from coping with the viral agent.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Antibiotics for bronchitis in adults: when prescribed, names" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.