Using Hydroxychloroquine With Common Antibiotic Increases Cardiovascular Risk
The combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin has been linked to significant cardiovascular risks, including mortality, in the largest safety study ever performed comparing hydroxychloroquine treatment to hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Hydroxychloroquine is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, while azithromycin is a frequently-prescribed antibiotic to treat infections such as pneumonia, chest and sinus infections, etc. This network study, led by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics community, was recently published in Lancet Rheumatology.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine treatment in the short term was found to not carry excess risk of complications associated with its use, but hydroxychloroquine treatment in the long term had a 65% relative increase in cardiovascular-related mortality, compared to sulfasalazine, a similar rheumatoid arthritis drug.
Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin together had a cardiovascular mortality risk that was more than twice as high as the comparative treatment even in the short term based on findings from more than 320,000 users of that combination therapy. This treatment also produced a 15-20% increased rate of angina/chest pain and heart failure.
What Are The Best Antibiotics For Sinus Infection Do Doctors Prescribe For You
There are many antibiotics that your doctor or physician may prescribe to help treat your sinus infection. Some of these may even be familiar to you.
These antibiotics are effective in treating sinus infection, however, these drugs do carry side effects. You should only be taken according to what your doctor or physician has prescribed. Always follow their instructions to achieve the best results.
This Is Why Taking Fish Medicine Is Truly A Bad Idea
Those who misuse aquatic antibiotics are playing a dangerous game with their health, doctors and veterinarians say
Earlier this month, a from author Rachel Sharp alerted the Internet to a disturbing trend: Some people were resorting to taking fish antibiotics to cure their ailments. Yes, fish antibiotics. Sharps Tweet, which quickly went viral, included a screenshot of several thinly veiled Amazon reviews left by humans who were clearly using the aquatic pet medicine Moxifish on themselves.
Naturally, the Internet was appalled. But few stopped to ask: whats actually so wrong with taking fish antibiotics?
How bad is American healthcare?Read the reviews for aquarium antibiotics and decide for yourself.
Rachel Sharp
Its not quite as crazy as it sounds. Fish are given many of the same antibiotics as humansamoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, penicillin and moresometimes even in the same doses. These pills, which are intended to be dissolved in fish tanks and be absorbed through fishes’ skin, can also look extremely similar to the human versions. And while a trip to the doctor can rack up hundreds of dollars for someone who doesn’t have insurance, a bottle of 30 500mg capsules of Moxifish costs just $29.95 from the supplier, Fishceuticals.
But there are a few key reasons why taking your fishs drugs is a very bad, no good idea. Lets start at the top.
But even if fish meds were labeled as human-grade medicines, using them to self-medicate would still be a bad idea.
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When To Consider Antibiotics For Sinus Infections
AAAAI advises that antibiotics for sinus infections should be considered only if you develop a fever of 102° F or higher, you have severe face pain and tenderness, your symptoms last longer than a week or so, or your symptoms improve and then worsen again.
Some patients with acute sinusitis do need antibiotics, and if they continue with a worsening infection without treatment, they can suffer dramatic complications such as loss of vision, meningitis, or brain abscess, Patel says.
If your doctor says you need an antibiotic, ask for generic amoxicillin/clavulanate, according to guidelines from UpToDate, which provides evidence-based treatment information to healthcare providers. Its usually the best choice and works as well as more expensive brand-name antibiotics.
Avoid taking fluoroquinolones, a group of antibiotics that includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin . Although widely used, the antibiotics are inappropriate for treating sinus infections and they pose serious risks.
In 2016, after a safety review, the Food and Drug Administration linked fluoroquinolones to disabling and potentially permanent side effects. The agency advised against using the drugs to treat common illnessesbronchitis, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections.
What Is The Dosage Of Nitrofurantoin Vs Amoxicillin
Nitrofurantoin
- The recommended adult dose for treating urinary tract infections is 50-100 mg 4 times daily or 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days or for 3 days after obtaining sterile urine.
- Nitrofurantoin can be taken with or without meals. Taking it with meals increases its absorption into the body.
- The suspension can be mixed with water, milk, juice, or infant formula.
- It also is used once a day to prevent urinary tract infections.
- It should not be used in persons with poor kidney function.
Amoxicillin
- For most infections in adults, the dose of amoxicillin is 250 mg every 8 hours, 500 mg every 8 hours, 500 mg every 12 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection.
- For the treatment of adults with gonorrhea, the dose is 3 g given as one dose.
- For most infections, children older than 3 months but less than 40 kg are treated with 25 or 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 or 40 mg/kg/day with one-third of the daily dose given every 8 hours depending on the type and severity of the infection.
- Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food.
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How Do People Get Tonsillitis
The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious. They are passed along by:
- Kissing or sharing utensils, food or drink
- Coming into close contact with someone who is sick
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose or mouth
- Inhaling tiny particles that become airborne when a sick person sneezes or coughs
How To Take Augmentin
Take Augmentin exactly according to your doctors instructions. You might start to feel better before you finish your entire treatment. But even if you do feel better, dont stop taking Augmentin. In many cases, its important to finish the entire treatment to ensure that the infection does not come back.
If youre feeling better and want to stop Augmentin early, be sure to ask your doctor if its safe to do so.
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Cautions With Other Medicines
There are some medicines that do not mix well with nitrofurantoin.
Tell your doctor if you’re taking these medicines before you start nitrofurantoin treatment:
- indigestion remedies known as antacids, particularly those that contain magnesium
- certain medicines for gout, including probenecid or sulfinpyrazone
- cystitis remedies you can buy from a pharmacy
- antibiotics known as quinolones, including nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin
Typhoid vaccine given by mouth may not work properly if you’re taking nitrofurantoin. This does not apply to typhoid vaccines given by injection.
When To Take Antibioticsand When Other Treatments May Work Better
If youve been knocked out by sinus infection symptomsstuffiness, face pain or pressure, nasal dischargeyour doctor might recommend that you wait it out for a week or so before resorting to an antibiotic. And she or he might be right: Antibiotics are often not necessary for clearing up a sinus infection, according to recent research.
As a result, many health experts, including Zara Patel, M.D., a sinus infection expert and assistant professor of otolaryngology at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., are urging doctors to think twice before prescribing antibiotics for sinus and other respiratory infections.
A 2016 study, published in JAMA, found that people who went to the doctor with a sinus infection were more likely to leave with a prescription for antibiotics than people seeing the doctor for any other reason . But some doctors, pointing to newer evidence, are starting to take a more cautious approach.
For acute sinusitis, there are very well-done studies indicating that antibiotics are not necessary in the vast majority of patients, and most people will be able to clear an infection on their own, Patel says.
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Can You Get Nitrofurantoin Online
While you need a doctors prescription to obtain nitrofurantoin, that doesnt mean you need to set foot in a brick-and-mortar office to do so.
Services like K Health allow you to get your antibiotic prescription straight through your phone after scheduling an online consultation with a healthcare professional. If you use an online pharmacy to order medications, be sure the pharmacy is licensed.
What Are Antibiotics
Antibiotics are defined as any substance that inhibits the growth and replication of a bacterium or kills it outright, according to an article published by the Microbiology Society. It is a type of antimicrobial designed to target bacterial infections on or within the body.
Diseases that are caused by bacteria are usually treated with antibiotics and are highly effective in preventing the bacteria from spreading. Some antibiotics are used to attack a wide range of bacteria while others are highly specialized to target only certain bacteria. Its important to note that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections.
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How To Take It
Swallow nitrofurantoin tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew or break them.
There’s a liquid nitrofurantoin for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.
If you’re taking nitrofurantoin as a liquid, it’ll usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you take the right amount. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.
The dose of nitrofurantoin you need to take depends on whether it’s being used to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection, your age, and how bad the infection is.
Yeast Infection Treatmentreach For Monistat
Talk with your doctor about any drugs you are now takingyou are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you are taking certain drugs such as antibiotics, steroids or birth control pills. Do not stop taking these drugs without first asking your doctor. A doctor may need to see you to make sure that you do not have other medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.
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Treatment For Sinus Infection
Whether you have an acute sinus infection or a chronic infection, a number of treatment options can relieve your discomfort. If youre in the early stage of an acute sinus infection, it may be appropriate to start at-home treatments while you monitor your symptoms. If your sinusitis worsens, youll need to call your doctor for medication and further care. Even if youre receiving treatment from your doctor, at-home care can help ease your symptoms.
When Do We Need Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, but your doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic. You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.
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What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Nitrofurantoin
You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe kidney disease
- urination problems or
- a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin.
Do not take nitrofurantoin during late pregnancy .
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease
- an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or
- any type of debilitating disease.
You should not breastfeed a baby younger than 1 month old while you are taking nitrofurantoin.
Nitrofurantoin should not be given to a child younger than 1 month old.
How To Treat Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics
While sinus infections caused by viruses, allergies, or other non-bacterial factors may not require antibiotics, they still cause the same symptoms which make you feel sick.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Nasal congestion
- Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Thick nasal or post-nasal drainage
Taking steps to alleviate your sinusitis symptoms is often the best treatment to lessen your discomfort.
Sinus infection treatment options include:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest, especially the first few days, to help your body fight the infection
- Moisturize the air with a cool-mist vaporizer
- Elevate your head while sleeping to decrease post-nasal drip
- Take warm showers or baths, as steam can soothe your sore throat and loosen mucus
- Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat
- Use saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation kit to alleviate congestion
- Use over-the-counter treatments, such as nasal drops and sprays or pseudoephedrine pills, as your doctor recommends them
What Not to Do for a Sinus Infection
You should always follow your doctors instructions when you are diagnosed with a sinus infection.
Do not:
- Ask for antibiotics if your doctor feels they are unnecessary
- Take antibiotics that are prescribed for someone else
- Skip doses of your antibiotics or stop taking your antibiotics early when your doctor prescribes them
- Save antibiotics for the next time you get sick
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick take nitrofurantoin with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food.
- being sick and diarrhoea drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash to avoid dehydration. Take small, frequent sips if you feel sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea or vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- loss of appetite eat when you would usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when you’re hungry. Have nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
- headaches make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Painkillers you can buy without a prescription, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are safe to take with nitrofurantoin. Speak to your doctor if these do not help with the headaches or the headaches are severe.
- dizziness or feeling sleepy if nitrofurantoin makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better.
What Drugs Interact With Nitrofurantoin And Amoxicillin
Nitrofurantoin
- High doses of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone can partially block the kidneys’ elimination of nitrofurantoin. This can increase the blood concentrations of nitrofurantoin and the risk of toxicity from nitrofurantoin.
- Concomitant administration of a magnesium trisilicate antacid may decrease the absorption of nitrofurantoin, reducing the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin.
- Nitrofurantoin may reduce the activity of live tuberculosisvaccine and live typhoid vaccine. In laboratory tests, nitrofurantoin reduced the effect of quinolone antibiotics, for example, norfloxacin . Therefore, nitrofurantoin should not be combined with quinolone antibiotics.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is rarely associated with important drug interactions.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Doxycycline
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction .
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using doxycycline.
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- throat irritation, trouble swallowing
- chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath
- little or no urination
- low white blood cell counts–fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
- increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes or
- signs of liver or pancreas problems–loss of appetite, upper stomach pain , tiredness, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice .
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite
- mild diarrhea
- darkened skin color or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Nitrofurantoin : Uses Side Effects Dosages Contraindications Warnings Interactions & More
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract. While its best to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about a medication, this article will provide some basics on this antibiotic, including how to take it, potential side effects and contraindications, and everything else to be aware of.
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