Antibiotics.
Antibiotics are drugs with anti-bacterial properties. Their substances may be  derived from natural sources, fungus for instance, or they may be synthetic.
Antibiotics are classified as narrow or wide spectrum agents, depending on whether they are effective against a limited or a wide range of bacteria. Other ways of classification are related to the way of action and the type of infection they can be used for. For example, antibiotics can be characterized as bactericidal or bacteriostatic depending on whether the drug kills the bacteria or it stops their reproduction respectively. Different antibiotics are used to control aerobic or anaerobic infections. The first of them are caused by bacteria which are active in the presence of oxygen, whereas the second ones are caused by bacteria that require total lack of oxygen to reproduce and develop.
Below you can find the antibiotics that are mentioned in various sections on this site. The list includes a large portion of the most commonly prescribed drugs of this category. If you want to find a particular antibiotic online, click the relevant link in the right column.
You may need a valid prescription for your medication purchase.
We strongly recommend generic forms of a medicine, whenever they are available, rather than brand-names. A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name one in dosage, safety, strength, the way it is taken, quality, performance and intended use. The big advantage is that a generic drug can be up to 80% less expensive in comparison to an equivalent brand-named counterpart. Today almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic medicines. For more information about generic drugs you can visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on this site.
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Proper use of antibiotics and safety.
 Prophylactic use of antibiotics is not recommended, unless you have been advised by your doctor otherwise.
Even if an infection occurs, never start a course of antibiotics which has not been prescribed for you and for this particular problem. Especially pregnant women should be very cautious in taking any drug without a physician's advice.
If you begin taking antibiotics, carry on until you finish the course. Otherwise, you will be at significant risk for uncompleted clearance of the infection, since live bacteria may remain. The worst thing is that from these bacteria new strains can be produced with increased resistance to the antibiotic.
Antibiotics have no anti-viral or anti-fungal properties. Thus, they should never be used in common cold or flu incidents. In prolonged such illnesses, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, in order to prevent any secondary bacterial infection which can occur as a complication due to reduced immunity.
Antibiotics have no anti-fungal action either. On the contrary, such infections may occur due to the use of antibiotics. In this case, you have to contact your doctor.
If the slightest rush or unexplained swelling occurs after taking your antibiotic, do not take the drug again and contact your healthcare provider. This is very important, since the above signs may be an indication of a dangerous allergic reaction.
Report any other side-effects, such as stomach discomfort, nausea or fever. Antibiotics may affect the normal balance of intestinal flora and result in diarrhea. Eating three to four spoonfuls of natural yogurt per day will prevent or resolve this problem.
Unless you have been advised otherwise, take your antibiotics preferably after your meals and choose a time schedule convenient to you.
Although it is still a controversial issue, bear in mind that antibiotics can reduce the efficacy of birth control pills. Thus, additional preventive measures may be required.
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