Antibiotics for colds

Antibiotics for a cold: are they needed, and is there any sense in their appointment? What antibiotic for a cold? After all, it is known that taking antibiotics without good reason is not recommended. Let's try to understand this question.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Indications for the use of antibiotics for colds

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

The inflammatory process of the paranasal sinuses is called sinusitis. Sinusitis has its own variants depending on the lesion of the specific sinus: it can be frontal, etmoid or sinusitis.

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

The form of release of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of the common cold is capsules or tablets for internal application to adults, or suspensions for toddlers. In some complicated situations, resort to the use of solutions for intravenous injections or infusions.

Pharmacodynamics of antibiotics in the common cold

Imagine a brief pharmadynamics of antibiotics in the common cold:

• Penicillin group drugs inhibit the biological synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, inactivating the enzyme that participates in its formation;
• preparations cephalosporin group have an action similar to penicillins;
• preparations of the tetracycline group inhibit the biological synthesis of the cellular protein at the ribosomal level. It is for this reason that large doses of tetracycline can disrupt their own production of protein in the body;
• preparations of the aminoglycoside group are able to bind to the ribosome of the bacterial cell, preventing the natural "dialogue" of the RNA and the ribosome. This leads to a distorted interpretation of the genetic code and the assignment of a non-native amino acid to the protein produced. In addition, aminoglycosides are trapped in the cytoplasmic membrane and negatively affect its permeability, which leads to loss of the potassium ions, nucleotides and amino acids by the bacterial cell;
• preparations of macrolide antibiotics block the contact of RNA and ribosomes in a microbial cell.

Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics for colds

Inhalation administration of solutions of antibiotics does not provide for the absorption of the drug into the systemic bloodstream. Maximum concentrations of antibiotics in the blood serum for external use can not exceed 1 ng / ml, this amount of active substance can be considered insignificant: this concentration does not affect the safety of the medication.

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

Excretion of the drug with local use is performed with the secretion of the respiratory system.

When intramuscular injection of antibiotics occurs, rapid absorption of the drug into the blood (usually the maximum concentration can be observed after 30-60 minutes) and rapid penetration into tissues, including the respiratory system.

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

Some antibiotics, for example, macrolide oletetrin, are able to accumulate in the spleen, mangled tissues, in the liver.

Antibiotic for rhinitis for children

Whether it is necessary to appoint or nominate an antibiotic if the rhinitis at the child was tightened or delayed?

First of all, it should be noted that unqualified and irrational use of antibiotics in children's cold can lead to significant difficulties in treatment. Unfortunately, often the mother not only does not consult a pediatrician or an ENT specialist for advice, but she also tries to treat the child with medications. In this situation, the mother hardly thinks about the fact that the wrongly chosen antibacterial drug and the incorrectly calculated dosage instead of destroying the bacteria can lead to an even greater development of the pathological process.

At the beginning of the development of the common cold in the baby, the best independent treatment can only be the use of interferon, an immuno-stimulating and antiviral drug that is produced in any form convenient for the child: drops, ointment or suppositories. If more than 3 days have passed and the child does not feel better, consult a specialist. Do not wait for the disease to go far, take action in a timely manner.

The use of antibiotics to treat a cold in a child is only in the competence of a doctor, and resorting to self-therapy with antibacterial drugs is highly discouraged.

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

Antibiotics for prolonged runny nose

In the usual course of the common cold, do not rush with the use of antibiotics. However, if the runny nose is protracted, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. Especially important is the use of antibacterial drugs, if there is a feeling of soreness and raspiraniya in the frontal area, on the sides and above the nose. These symptoms are usually accompanied by nasal congestion and an increase in temperature.

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

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

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

[14], [15]

Antibiotic for cough and cold

In principle, antibiotics for cough and cold are not prescribed, and sometimes are not even recommended. However, if coughing and runny nose are delayed and do not respond to treatment, the use of antibiotics can be justified. For example, in childhood, amoxicillin or cotrimoxazole (inwards) or penicillin in the form of injections are actively used in such situations.

Antibiotics for children are most often administered with the help of intramuscular injections. Babies up to 2 months of age showed the use of benzylpenicillin with gentamycin.

And yet it must be remembered that the use of antibiotics for cough and cold is justified and will only have an effect if the disease is caused by the activity of bacteria, not viruses. In addition, it is also desirable to know what bacteria triggered the development of pathology. For this, bacteriological examination of sputum and discharge from the nasal cavity is carried out. Only after receiving the results of tests, you can choose exactly the antibacterial drug that can help to defeat the disease.

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

[16], [17],

Antibiotics for severe colds

Even if you suffer from a bad cold, do not rush to run to the pharmacy for antibiotics. If discharge from the nose is caused by a viral infection (flu, ARVI), start taking interferons. At the initial stages of the disease, arbidol, a known antiviral drug with a minimum of side effects, can be effective. Also a good tool is antigrippin - a combined drug that accelerates the production of interferons in the body.

Do not forget that in case of viral damage, the antibiotic will not be of use. Such funds are prescribed, only being in full confidence that the etiology of the disease is bacterial. Why is it not recommended to take antibiotics yourself? Because, destroying pathogenic microbes, the antibiotic simultaneously ruins useful bacteria that provide our body with protection and support the course of many vital processes. Because of improper intake of antibiotics, dysbiosis, candidiasis develops, processes of digestion and digestion of food are disrupted. In addition, an incorrect treatment regimen can contribute to the "habituation" of microbes to the action of an antibacterial drug. For this reason, human immunity is significantly weakened, and for the subsequent treatment, more and more powerful drugs will be needed.

If the discharge from the nose is abundant, you can use special vasoconstrictive drugs, for example, galazolinom or naphthysin. And do not forget about natural antibiotics: eat garlic, onions, horseradish, drink warm tea with honey. If the condition has not improved within 3-5 days, please consult a doctor: self-administration of antibiotics is unacceptable.

[18], [19],

Antibiotics of local action with a cold

Antibiotics of local action are used mainly in inflammatory processes in the nasal sinuses - sinusitis. With a cold, antibiotics are used very rarely, only with the development of serious bacterial complications of the disease.

Local antibiotic use excludes the development of many side effects that can occur after taking tablets or injections. In addition, local antibiotics do not affect the quality of systemic microflora.

Among the local antibiotics, the most common forms are drops and spray for the nose.

[20], [21], [22],

Drops from a cold with an antibiotic

For instillation in the nasal cavity use the following antibacterial drugs:

• newimanin - an antibiotic of natural origin, derived from St. John's wort. It shows activity against gram-positive microbes, including staphylococci, which is resistant to penicillin. Stimulates the recovery of mucous membranes. Before use, the preparation is diluted with sterile distilled water, anesthesin or glucose;
• framicetin - used in the complex therapy of rhinitis and sinusitis of bacterial etiology. The drug is instilled in 1-2 drops in each nostril 4-6 times a day. It is not prescribed for children under 1 year;
• neomycin - antibiotic-aminoglycoside. Used in the form of a solution (5000 units per 1 ml) for instillation, turund and irrigation, no more than 25-50 ml for one use. It does not affect fungal and viral infections, as well as anaerobic flora.

[23], [24], [25]

Spray from the common cold with antibiotic

Spray from the common cold with the antibiotic is the most convenient form for applying the drug directly to the site of the inflammatory process. The most famous drugs:

• isophas - nasal spray with an active component of Framicetin. Does not affect anaerobic microorganisms. One dose of 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;
• Polidex with phenylephrine - spray for the nose. Due to the combination of antibacterial agents in the composition of the spray 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 a polypeptide antibiotic fusafungin, which is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungal infection. Has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Standard use of 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.

Dosing and Administration

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

1. Management of antibiotic solutions in the nasal cavity to stop the infectious process and swelling of the mucous membrane, facilitate the withdrawal of secretions and improve nasal breathing. To do this, use drugs in the form of drops, aerosols and tampons in the nasal canal 3-4 times a day.
2. Direct injection into the nasal sinuses of solutions of antibiotics. So antibiotics can stay in the sinuses longer than they provide a greater concentration in tissues than with oral or injectable use. Sometimes in the treatment of bilateral sinusitis, there is a multiplicity of bacterial flora, which requires the introduction of different antibiotics in each sinus (taking into account the sensitivity of microflora).
3. Use inside and injection antibacterial drugs in the complicated course of the common cold, for example, in severe acute forms of etmoiditis in young children. Therapeutic doses and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor individually in each specific case.
4. Electrophoresis of antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, streptomycin 200,000 units, 0.25% levomycetin, 0.1% neuromaine.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]

Use during pregnancy

The use of antibiotics in the common cold during pregnancy is not recommended. Active components of antibacterial drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus: for example, tetracyclines can slow down the growth of the bones of the skeleton, and can lead to fatty liver infiltration.

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

During lactation, the use of antibiotic therapy is also not recommended. If you can not stop using antibiotics, you should raise the question of stopping breastfeeding.

Even the use of topical preparations during pregnancy is not recommended, at least in the first trimester of pregnancy. The continued use of antibiotics is a matter addressed to your doctor who should evaluate the possible risk to the fetus and benefit to the mother. It must be borne in mind that even an extremely low concentration of the drug in the blood allows the substance to penetrate the placental barrier. For example, a popular preparation of Isophra with local use can have a toxic effect on the vestibular system of a future baby.

Before using an antibiotic during pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor and do not take independent decisions.

Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for colds

Antibiotics in the common cold are contraindicated in patients who are prone to allergic reactions to antibacterial drugs.

Intramuscular injection and oral administration of antibiotics is not recommended for persons with severe disorders of liver and kidney function, as well as patients with leukopenia.

With care appoint antibiotics in childhood, as well as patients with cardiovascular pathology.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers are not recommended to use antibiotics for a cold.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Side effects of antibiotics for colds

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

• loss of appetite, attacks of nausea and vomiting, stool disorders, abdominal pain;
• constant fatigue, headaches, dizziness;
• anemia, thrombocytopenia;
• allergic reactions;
• development of fungal diseases, dysbacteriosis, discoloration of tooth enamel.

Local antibiotic use in the common cold may be accompanied by allergic reactions to drugs.

Overdose

When oral antibiotics are administered at high dosages, it is possible to increase the severity of adverse events. There are no special antidotes for such situations, only symptomatic treatment is performed.

When topical application of cases of overdose with antibacterial drugs for the treatment of the common cold is not described.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to use topical antibiotics together with other intranasal preparations.

At internal and injection use of antibiotics it is strictly forbidden to use alcohol.

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

It should not be without the doctor's instructions to combine various bactericidal preparations with antibiotics.

Antibiotics can influence the effect of antithrombotic agents, as well as reduce the reliability of oral contraceptives.

Storage conditions

Antibiotics are kept away from children, in a darkened room with a temperature of 15-25 ° C.

Shelf life of tablets and capsules - about 2 years, aerosols - up to 3 years.

Modern specialists can prescribe antibiotics for the common cold, if for 10 days of treatment with conventional medications the disease can not be cured. The choice of antibacterial agents and the way they are used are within the competence of the medical professional: a therapist, an otolaryngologist, a pediatrician. Therefore, with a serious bacterial exacerbation of the common cold the best solution will be to go to the doctor.

Runny nose after antibiotic

If you get a cold after taking an antibiotic, you can suspect his allergic nature. Allergy to antibacterial drugs is quite common, since antibiotics usually have a mass of side effects. The development of allergies can occur not immediately, but after some time after taking the drug. And 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 already had a history of allergic reactions to taking penicillin drugs, the risk of allergy to some other antibiotic is several times higher. What needs to be done in this case?

First, do not take any independent action, but do not ignore the symptom, because it is possible to develop more serious allergic complications. Secondly, contact the doctor to cancel the drug, or, if necessary, replace it with another one.

Runny nose after an antibiotic may indicate weakness of the immune defense, therefore, along with antiallergic therapy, immunity should be strengthened.