Antibiotics
See also Sub-Groups: Aminoglycosides, Penicillins, Cephalosporins,Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides, Lincosamides, Tetracyclines
Miscellaneous Antibacterials:
Generic and Trade Names:
| Erythromycin/Sulfisoxazole | Pediazole | ||
| Furazolidone | Furoxone | ||
| Trimethoprim | Trimpex, Proloprim | ||
| Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole | Bactrim |
Description:
Antibiotics, pharmacologically, have a selective, toxic action on bacteria.
They may be administered: orally, by injection (intra-muscular) or by infusion (IV).
If the effect is to kill off the bacteria, directly, it is termed: "bactericidal action".
If the effect is, rather, to inhibit their growth, this constitutes: bacteriostatic action.
Cotrimoxazole (Co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is an antibiotic combination of a sulfonamide (sulfamethoxazole) and the similar but unrelated folic acid inhibitor (trimethoprim).
Nutritional Considerations:
Hydration: drink plenty of fluids, unless otherwise directed. (Pronsky 1999)
A folic acid supplement may be prescribed, based on research with children who had leukemia. (Vitamin B12 levels were unaffected.) (Arico, 1992)
Monitor for hemolytic anemia. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)
Avoid alcohol. (Pronsky 1999)
Electrolytes: some of these drugs contain sodium which is a consideration on low sodium diets. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)
Caution with potassium supplements, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole can raise potassium levels abnormally. ( Perazella 1997)
Other vitamins often recommended include: B-complex (biotin, thiamine, riboflavin and especially niacin and pyridoxine) as well as vitamin K (Welling 1977), (Conly 1994).
To offset the loss of \"friendly bacteria\" in the gut, supplements with e.g. acidophilus, bifidus etc. may also be recommended (Bengmark 1996), (Cummings 1997). Friendly bacteria also play a role in the production of B-complex vitamins.
Calcium (or dairy foods, or antacids etc.) reduces absorption and hence the effectiveness of antibiotics. (Cardona 1999)
Herbal Considerations:
Bromelain may also increase absorption of antibiotics(Tinozzin 1978).
Ginger may cause malabsorption. (Brinker 1998)
Theoretically, Safrole (in sassafras ) may increase the hepatotoxic effects of several drugs, including antibiotics, antifungal and antituberculous drugs. (Brinker 1998)
Siberian ginseng increases efficacy of antibiotics. (Brinker 1998)
References
Arico M et al., Prospective randomized comparison of toxicity of two prophylactic regimens of cotrimoxazole in leukemic children. Pediatr Hematol Oncol, 1992 Jan-Mar, 9:1, 35-40.
Bengmark S & Gianotti L: Nutritional support to prevent and treat multiple organ failure. World J Surg, 1996 May, 20:4, 474-81.
Benigni, R. (1948) The presence of antibiotic substances in the higher plants. Fitoterapia, 19(3):1-2.
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Eclectic Institute, 1998.
Cardona Pera D. Drug-food interactions. Nutr Hosp. 1999 May;14 Suppl 2:129S-140S. Spanish.
Conly J and Stein K: Reduction of vitamin K2 concentrations in human liver associated with the use of broad spectrum antimicrobials, Clin Invest Med, 1994, 17 (6):531-9
Cummings JH, Macfarlane G: Role of intestinal bacteria in nutrient metabolism, JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1997, 21(6): 357-65
Deguchi Y, et al: Comparitive studies on synthesis of water-soluble vitamins among human species of Bifidobacteria, Argic Biol Chem, 1985, 19 (1): 13-19
Ellenger P, et al: Production and release of nicotinamide by the intestinal flora in man, Nature, 1944, 154:270-271
Facts and Comparisons. Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 1999.
Fuhr U. Drug interactions with grapefruit juice. Extent, probable mechanism and clinical relevance. Drug Saf. 1998 Apr;18(4):251-72. Review.
Fuller R. Probiotics in human medicine. Gut 1991;32:439-42 [review].
Griffith, H. W. 1983. Complete Guide to Prescription and Non-Prescription. Fisher Publishing, Inc., Tucson.
Hill MJ: Intestinal flora and endogenous vitamin synthesis, Eur J Cancer Prev, 1997, 6 (Suppl 1): S43-5
Lieberman, S. & Bruning, N.: The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Avery, NY.
Osol, Arthur. 1980. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. Mack Publishing Company, Pennsylvania.
PDR (Physicians Desk Reference). 49th Edition. Medical Economics Co. Montvale, NJ. 1995.
Perazella MA and Mahnensmith RL: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: a new problem emerges 25 years later. Conn Med, 1997 Aug, 61:8, 451-8.
Pronsky, Zaneta. Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition. 1999.
Tinozzi S, Venegoni A. Effect of bromelain on serum and tissue levels of amoxicillin. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1978;4:39-44.
Watson, A. et al: Severe hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia following gentamicin therapy. Irish Med. J. 1983, 76: 381-383.
Welling PG: Influence of food and diet on gastrointestinal drug absorption: a review. J Pharmacokinet Biopharm 1977; 5:291.
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