Antibiotics for a runny nose

Antibiotics for a runny nose: are they necessary, and is there any point in prescribing them? What antibiotic for a runny nose? After all, it is known that taking antibiotics without a good reason is not recommended. Let's try to understand this issue.

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Indications for the use of antibiotics for rhinitis

Treatment of a runny nose with antibiotics may make sense only in the case of a combined course of the disease, when the pathology is aggravated by the addition of a pathogenic infection. Thus, the main indications for the use of antibiotics for a runny nose are the development of a chronic form of rhinitis, or the spread of the inflammatory process to the sinuses.

The inflammatory process of the paranasal sinuses is called sinusitis. Sinusitis has its varieties depending on the specific sinus affected: it can be frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis or maxillary sinusitis.

The right to choose a specific antibacterial drug or the complex use of drugs belongs only to a specialist - an otolaryngologist. Most often, doctors prescribe antibiotic therapy with macrolide drugs - erythromycin, clarithromycin, midecamycin, as well as β-lactam antibiotics (augmentin) and cephalosporins (cefodox, ceftriaxone).

The release form of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of rhinitis is capsules or tablets for internal use by adults, or suspensions for children. In some complicated situations, they resort to using solutions for intramuscular injections or infusions.

Pharmacodynamics of antibiotics for rhinitis

Let's present a brief pharmadynamics of antibiotics for a runny nose:

• Penicillin group drugs inhibit the biological synthesis of the bacterial cell wall by inactivating the enzyme that participates in its formation;
• Cephalosporin drugs have an effect similar to penicillins;
• Tetracycline group drugs inhibit the biological synthesis of cellular protein at the ribosomal level. It is for this reason that large doses of tetracycline can disrupt the body's own protein production;
• aminoglycoside drugs are capable of binding to the ribosome of a bacterial cell, preventing the natural "dialogue" between RNA and the ribosome. This leads to a distorted decoding of the genetic code and the assignment of a foreign amino acid to the protein being produced. In addition, aminoglycosides are trapped in the cytoplasmic membrane and negatively affect its permeability, which leads to the loss of potassium ions, nucleotides and amino acids by the bacterial cell;
• Macrolide antibiotics block the contact between RNA and ribosomes in the microbial cell.

Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics for rhinitis

Inhalation of antibiotic solutions does not involve absorption of the drug into the systemic bloodstream. Maximum concentrations of antibiotics in the blood serum during external use cannot exceed 1 ng/ml, such an amount of the active substance can be considered insignificant: this concentration does not affect the safety of the drug.

When an antibiotic is administered through the nasal passages, its maximum amount in the mucus can be observed within 3 hours after administration.

When used locally, the drug is eliminated through the secretion of the respiratory system.

When antibiotics are administered intramuscularly, the drug is rapidly absorbed into the blood (usually the maximum concentration can be observed after 30-60 minutes) and quickly penetrates into tissues, including the respiratory system.

Tableted forms of antibiotics are usually well absorbed in the intestines, after which they are distributed in the tissues and biological environments of the body. They are excreted through the urinary system and partly with feces.

Some antibiotics, for example, the macrolide olethetrin, can accumulate in the spleen, malignant tissues, and liver.

Antibiotic for runny nose for children

Should I prescribe an antibiotic if my child's runny nose is prolonged?

First of all, it should be noted that unqualified and irrational use of antibiotics for runny nose in children can lead to significant difficulties in treatment. Unfortunately, often the mother not only does not consult a pediatrician or ENT specialist, but also tries to treat the child with drugs herself. In such a situation, the mother is unlikely to think about the fact that an incorrectly selected antibacterial drug and an incorrectly calculated dosage, instead of destroying bacteria, can lead to an even greater development of the pathological process.

At the beginning of the development of a runny nose in a baby, the best independent treatment can only be the use of interferon - an immunostimulating and antiviral drug, which is produced in any form convenient for the child: these can be drops, ointment or suppositories. If more than 3 days have passed, and the child does not get better, consult a specialist. Do not wait until the disease has gone far, take measures in a timely manner.

The use of antibiotics to treat a child's runny nose is only within the competence of a doctor, and self-treatment with antibacterial drugs is highly discouraged.

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Antibiotics for persistent runny nose

In the case of a normal runny nose, you should not rush to use antibiotics. However, if the runny nose has dragged on, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. Taking antibacterial agents is especially important if there is a feeling of pain and distension in the forehead, on the sides and above the nose. These symptoms are usually accompanied by nasal congestion and fever.

Treatment of the inflammatory process in the nasal sinuses in almost all cases requires the use of antibiotic therapy, because a bacterial infection is usually the cause of such a complication.

Currently, in the treatment of prolonged rhinitis, macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, spiramycin, midecamycin) are most often used. When a purulent-inflammatory process in the nasal sinuses is combined with signs of an allergic reaction, sinus lavage with antibiotic solutions is used (taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora) together with antiallergic drugs.

In childhood, it is recommended to use short courses of azithromycin therapy.

[14], [15]

Antibiotic for cough and runny nose

In principle, antibiotics are not prescribed for cough and runny nose, and sometimes are not even recommended. However, if the cough and runny nose are prolonged and do not respond to treatment, the use of antibiotics may be justified. For example, in childhood, amoxicillin or co-trimoxazole (orally), or penicillin in the form of injections are actively used in such situations.

Antibiotics are most often administered to children by intramuscular injections. Babies under 2 months of age are prescribed benzylpenicillin with gentamicin.

And yet it is necessary to remember that the use of antibiotics for cough and runny nose is justified and can be effective only if the disease is caused by bacteria, not viruses. In addition, it is also desirable to know what bacteria caused the development of the pathology. For this, a bacteriological study of sputum and discharge from the nasal cavity is carried out. Only after receiving the test results, you can choose the antibacterial drug that can help defeat the disease.

For this reason, antibiotic selection can only be performed by a doctor based on the results of microflora sensitivity. Independent use of antibiotics is unacceptable.

[16], [17]

Antibiotics for severe runny nose

Even if you suffer from a severe runny nose, do not rush to the pharmacy for antibiotics. If the nasal discharge is caused by a viral infection (flu, acute respiratory viral infection), start taking interferons. In the early stages of the disease, arbidol, a well-known antiviral drug with a minimum number of side effects, can be effective. Antigrippin, a combination drug that accelerates the production of interferons in the body, is also a good remedy.

Do not forget that antibiotics will not be of any use in case of viral infection. Such drugs are prescribed only when there is complete confidence that the etiology of the disease is bacterial. Why is it not recommended to take antibiotics on your own? Because, by destroying pathogenic microbes, antibiotics simultaneously destroy beneficial bacteria that provide our body with protection and facilitate the flow of many vital processes. Incorrect use of antibiotics causes dysbacteriosis, candidiasis, and disruption of the processes of assimilation and digestion of food. In addition, an incorrect treatment regimen can contribute to the "addiction" of microbes to the action of the antibacterial drug. For this reason, a person's immunity is significantly weakened, and for subsequent treatment, increasingly stronger drugs will be needed.

If the nasal discharge is heavy, you can use special vasoconstrictor drugs, such as galazolin or naphthyzinum. And do not forget about natural antibiotics: eat garlic, onions, horseradish, drink warm tea with honey. If the condition does not improve within 3-5 days, consult a doctor: self-prescribing antibiotics is unacceptable.

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Topical antibiotics for runny nose

Local antibiotics are used mainly for inflammatory processes in the nasal sinuses - sinusitis. Antibiotics are used very rarely for a runny nose, only when serious bacterial complications of the disease develop.

Local application of antibiotics eliminates the development of many side effects that may occur after taking tablets or injections. In addition, local antibiotics do not affect the quality of systemic microflora.

Among topical antibiotics, the most common forms are nasal drops and spray.

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Nasal drops with antibiotic

The following antibacterial drugs are used for instillation into the nasal cavity:

• Novoimanin is a natural antibiotic obtained from St. John's wort. It is active against gram-positive microbes, including penicillin-resistant staphylococci. It stimulates the restoration of mucous membranes. Before use, the drug is diluted with sterile distilled water, anesthesin or glucose;
• framycetin - used in the complex therapy of rhinitis and sinusitis of bacterial etiology. The drug is instilled 1-2 drops in each nostril 4-6 times a day. Not prescribed to children under 1 year;
• neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used as a solution (5000 units in 1 ml) for instillation, turundas and irrigation, no more than 25-50 ml per use. It does not act on fungal and viral infections, as well as on anaerobic flora.

[23], [24], [25]

Antibiotic Nasal Spray

A nasal spray with antibiotic is the most convenient form for applying the drug directly to the site of inflammation. The most well-known drugs are:

• Isofra is a nasal spray with the active ingredient framycetin. Does not affect anaerobic microorganisms. One dose of the spray is applied intranasally 4-6 times a day, in childhood - up to 3 times a day. The duration of antibiotic therapy is 7-10 days;
• Polydex with phenylephrine - nasal spray. Due to the combination of antibacterial agents in the spray, it has a wide range of effects, but does not affect the viability of streptococci and anaerobic bacteria. Duration of treatment is from 6 to 10 days;
• Bioparox is an aerosol with the polypeptide antibiotic fusafungine, which is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungal infections. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The standard method is to administer two doses of the drug in each nostril 4 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is no longer than one week.

Method of administration and dosage

To influence inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, various methods of medicinal action can be used:

1. Administration of antibiotic solutions into the nasal cavity to stop the infection process and swelling of the mucous membrane, facilitate the discharge of secretions and improve nasal breathing. For this purpose, preparations are used in the form of drops, aerosols and tampons in the nasal canal area 3-4 times a day.
2. Direct introduction of antibiotic solutions into the nasal sinuses. Thus, antibiotics can remain in the sinuses longer, which ensures the creation of a higher concentration in the tissues than with oral or injection use. Sometimes, when treating bilateral sinusitis, there is a multiplicity of bacterial flora, which requires the introduction of different antibiotics into each sinus (taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora).
3. Use of oral and injection antibacterial drugs in complicated cases of rhinitis, for example, in severe cases of acute ethmoiditis in young children. Therapeutic doses and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor individually in each specific case.
4. Electrophoresis of antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, streptomycin 200,000 U, 0.25% chloramphenicol, 0.1% novoimanin.

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Use during pregnancy

The use of antibiotics for a runny nose during pregnancy is not recommended. The active components of antibacterial drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus: for example, tetracyclines can slow down the growth of skeletal bones and can also lead to fatty infiltration of the liver.

Before prescribing an antibiotic for a runny nose to a woman of reproductive age, the doctor should make sure that she is not pregnant. It is also not recommended to plan a pregnancy during antibiotic treatment.

During lactation, the use of antibiotic therapy is also not recommended. If it is still impossible to refuse the use of antibiotics, the question of stopping breastfeeding should be raised.

Even the use of topical drugs during pregnancy is not recommended, at least in the first trimester of pregnancy. Further use of antibiotics is a question addressed to your doctor, who must assess the possible risk to the fetus and the benefit to the mother. It is necessary to keep in mind that even an extremely low concentration of the drug in the blood allows the substance to penetrate the placental barrier. For example, the popular drug Isofra, when used locally, can have a toxic effect on the vestibular system of the future baby.

Before using an antibiotic during pregnancy, be sure to consult with your doctor and do not make decisions on your own.

Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for a runny nose

Antibiotics for a runny nose are contraindicated for patients who are prone to allergic reactions to antibacterial drugs.

Intramuscular injections and oral administration of antibiotics are not recommended for individuals with severe liver and kidney dysfunction, as well as for patients with leukopenia.

Antibiotics are prescribed with caution in childhood, as well as to patients with cardiovascular pathology.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not recommended to use antibiotics for a runny nose.

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Side effects of antibiotics for runny nose

When using antibiotics in the form of tablets, capsules and injections, the following side effects may occur:

• loss of appetite, bouts of nausea and vomiting, bowel disorders, abdominal pain;
• constant fatigue, headaches, dizziness;
• anemia, thrombocytopenia;
• allergic reactions;
• development of fungal diseases, dysbacteriosis, changes in the color of tooth enamel.

Local use of antibiotics for a runny nose may be accompanied by allergic reactions to the drugs.

Overdose

When taking antibiotics orally in high doses, the severity of side effects may increase. There are no special antidotes for such situations; only symptomatic treatment is carried out.

There are no reports of overdose of antibacterial drugs used locally to treat rhinitis.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to use topical antibiotics in combination with other intranasal drugs.

When using antibiotics internally or by injection, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol.

Dairy products and preparations containing aluminum, magnesium, iron and calcium may slow the absorption of tetracycline and macrolide antibiotics.

You should not combine various bactericidal drugs with antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Antibiotics may interfere with the action of antithrombotic agents and may reduce the reliability of oral contraceptives.

Storage conditions

Antibiotics are stored out of the reach of children, in a darkened room with a temperature of 15-25 °C.

The shelf life of tablets and capsules is about 2 years, aerosols – up to 3 years.

Modern specialists can prescribe antibiotics for a runny nose if the disease cannot be cured within 10 days of treatment with conventional drugs. The choice of antibacterial agents and the method of their use are within the competence of a medical worker: a therapist, otolaryngologist, pediatrician. Therefore, in case of a serious bacterial exacerbation of a runny nose, the best solution is to visit a doctor.

Runny nose after antibiotics

If a runny nose appears after taking an antibiotic, you can suspect that it is allergic in nature. Allergy to antibacterial drugs is a fairly common occurrence, since antibiotics usually have a lot of side effects. The development of an allergy may not occur immediately, but some time after taking the drug. Moreover, the stronger the dosage and the longer the course of treatment, the greater the risk of developing a hypersensitive reaction of the body. If the patient has already had a history of allergic reactions to taking penicillin drugs, the risk of developing an allergy to any other antibiotic increases several times. What should be done in this case?

Firstly, do not take any independent actions, but do not ignore the symptom, because more serious allergic complications may develop. Secondly, contact your doctor so that he can cancel the drug, or, if necessary, replace it with another.

A runny nose after taking an antibiotic may indicate a weak immune system, so along with anti-allergy therapy, you should work on strengthening your immune system.