How do doctors choose which antibiotics for a bacterial infection?

In selecting an antibiotic, doctors also consider the following: The nature and seriousness of the infection. The status of the person’s immune system (how well it can help the drug fight the infection) The drug’s possible side effects.

How might a doctor tell the difference between a bacterial infection where an antibiotic might be used versus a viral infection?

As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren’t effective against viruses.

How would doctors determine which types of antimicrobial drugs should be administered?

To determine the antibiotic appropriate to your infection, your healthcare provider would consider the following:

• The Type of Bacteria Involved.
• The Action of the Antibiotic.
• How the Antibiotic Is Administered.
• The Course of Antibiotic Therapy.
• Whether You Actually Need Antibiotics.

Are antibiotics specific to certain bacteria?

Antibiotics can either have a narrow or broad spectrum of activity. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are more specific and only active against certain groups or strains of bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics instead inhibit a wider range of bacteria.

Do different antibiotics work differently?

Different types of antibiotics work in different ways. For example, penicillin destroys bacterial cell walls, while other antibiotics can affect the way the bacterial cell works. Doctors choose an antibiotic according to the bacteria that usually cause a particular infection.

Do you need different antibiotics for different infections?

Antibiotics are usually grouped together based on how they work. Each type of antibiotic only works against certain types of bacteria or parasites. This is why different antibiotics are used to treat different types of infection.

What should I know before prescribing antibiotics?

Important factors identified for antibiotic prescriptions by doctors were diagnostic uncertainty, perceived demand and expectation from the patients, practice sustainability and financial considerations, influence from medical representatives and inadequate knowledge.

Are there different antibiotics for different infections?

There are various antibiotics available and they come in various different brand names. Antibiotics are usually grouped together based on how they work. Each type of antibiotic only works against certain types of bacteria or parasites. This is why different antibiotics are used to treat different types of infection.

What is the difference between doxycycline and cephalexin?

Doxycycline and Keflex are different types of antibiotics. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic and Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Side effects of doxycycline and Keflex that are similar include diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting.