Flagyl ( Metronidazole )

Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled that living organisms thrive in environments where there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments) and can lead to disease in the stomach (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess) and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and fallopian tubes). Giardia lamblia and amoeba are gastro-intestinal parasites, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea in people infected. Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite that causes the vaginal inflammation (vaginitis). Metronidazole selectively blocks some of the functions in cells and bacterial parasites that are in their death.

Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of parasitic infections, including infections of Giardia small intestine, liver amoebic abscess and amoebic dysentery (large intestine infection causes bloody diarrhoea), bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginal infections and holders of Trichomonas ( two sexual partners), which have not Symptoms of infection. Metronidazole is also alone or in combination with other antibiotics in the treatment of liver abscesses in the pelvis, stomach and brain, caused by anaerobic bacteria. Metronidazole is also in the treatment of colon infection by a bacterium called C. difficile. (Antibiotics are commonly used type of bacteria that inhabit the colon. C. difficile is an anaerobic bacterium that can infect both points, if the normal types of bacteria in the large intestine are inhibited by antibiotics. It leads to inflammation of the two points (PMC) with diarrhoea and abdominal pain). Metronidazole is also in combination with other drugs for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that causes stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal. Metronidazole gel is used for the treatment of acne rosacea, and the vaginal gel is used to treat bacterial vaginosis.

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Chloramphenicol.

Chloramphenicol is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Chloramphenicol is used to treat serious infections in different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics. However, chloramphenicol should not be used for colds, flu, other virus infections, sore throats or other minor infections, or to prevent infections.

Chloramphenicol should only be used for serious infections in which other medicines do not work. This medicine may cause some serious side effects, including blood problems and eye problems. Symptoms of the blood problems include pale skin, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, and unusual tiredness or weakness. You and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it .

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to chloramphenicol. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Chloramphenicol has not been shown to cause birth defects in humans. However, use is not recommended within a week or two of your delivery date. Chloramphenicol may cause gray skin color, low body temperature, bloated stomach, uneven breathing, drowsiness, pale skin, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, or other problems in the infant.

Chloramphenicol passes into the breast milk and has been shown to cause unwanted effects, such as pale skin, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, or other problems in nursing babies. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.

Newborn infants are especially sensitive to the side effects of chloramphenicol because they cannot remove the medicine from their body as well as older children and adults.

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of chloramphenicol in the elderly with use in other age groups.

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Ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is also used in treating skin infections caused by staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Ofloxacin is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, but is not effective against syphilis. Ofloxacin is often used to treat urinary infections and prostate infections caused by E. Coli. Some strains of streptococcus, enterococcus, and anaerobic bacteria are resistant to ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin should not be taken with food. Ofloxacin is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Dosages require adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or kidney function. Antacids, minerals, and vitamins with iron block the absorption of ofloxacin and they should not be taken together.

Ofloxacin administered together with theophylline can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline. Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of asthma. If concurrent use of ofloxacin and theophylline cannot be avoided, frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline blood levels should be performed. Ofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been reported in patients receiving this medication. Ofloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescents under 18 years old, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

Many antibiotics, including ofloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes even shock. Patients taking ofloxacin can develop sensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight. Ofloxacin can enhance the action of the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk of bleeding. Both high and low blood sugars have been reported in patients with diabetes taking ofloxacin together with insulin or other medications used to lower the blood sugar. Careful monitoring of blood sugars is, therefore, recommended when these drugs are concurrently used.

Ofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy, as safe use in these patients have not been established and should be avoided in nursing mothers, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

The most frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, dizziness, itching, and vaginitis in women. Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis (shock). Symptoms of nervous system stimulation, such as anxiety, euphoria, and hallucinations have rarely been reported.

Ofloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, has been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. Some physicians recommend that their patients discontinue vigorous exercise while they are taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

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Amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your body.

Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection. Amoxicillin is also sometimes used together with another antibiotic called clarithromycin (Biaxin) to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This combination is sometimes used with a stomach acid reducer called lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Amoxicillin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to amoxicillin or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, V-Cillin K, Veetids), and others.

Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you use birth control pills. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not give this medication to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you do.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

If you are taking amoxicillin with clarithromycin and/or lansoprazole to treat stomach ulcer, use all of your medications as directed. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
- seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache;
- swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue; or
- thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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Ciprofloxacin.

This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

This medication may be taken with or without food, usually twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, or use as directed by your doctor. Take this medication 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, antacids, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, and sucralfate. Other products include bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. They bind with ciprofloxacin preventing its full absorption.

SIDE EFFECTS.

Stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, headache, vision changes or dizziness may occur during the first few days. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: sunburn-like skin reaction (sun sensitivity). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, mental/mood changes (including rare thoughts of suicide), numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, hearing loss, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual change in the amount of urine, unusual fatigue. This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture). Seek immediate medical attention, rest, and stop exercising if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS.
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics such as levofloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, brain or nervous system disorders, kidney disease, joint/tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), liver disease, blood vessel problems. This drug may make you dizzy or light-headed; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., tendon problems), especially if they are also taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone). Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its possible side effects (e.g., joint/tendon problems). Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

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