infectious disease

Levaquin vs. Zosyn: What’s the difference? Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Zosyn (piperacillin and tazobactam) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints; urinary infections; prostatitis; infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella; obstetric infections, including mastitis (infection …

What is gentamicin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gentamicin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is most effective against aerobic gram-negative rods. Gentamicin is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat infections caused by gram positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and certain species of streptococci. Additionally, gentamicin is used in combination with a …

What are the uses for albendazole? Albendazole is FDA approved for the treatment of the following parasitic infections: Hydatid Disease Albendazole is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) larvae. Neurocysticercosis Albendazole is used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesion caused by pork tapeworm (Taenia …

What is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Lemon balm is a plant used as an herbal supplement. It may have antiviral activity against some viruses, for example, the herpes virus as well as calming effects. It active compounds in lemon balm are caffeic acid and tannins. What are the uses for lemon balm? Lemon …

What is tetracycline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic, that is, it is active against many different types of bacteria. It is effective against Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and many others. Tetracycline prevents growth of bacteria by preventing the bacteria from manufacturing proteins that …

What is meropenem injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Meropenem is an injectable carbapenem antibiotic. It is similar to impenem and cilastin (Primaxin). Meropenem prevents bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without …

What is atovaquone-proguanil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atovaquone and proguanil is an anti-malarial medication. Atovaquone blocks mitochondrial electron transfer and thereby the production of energy for use by the parasites. Proguanil is metabolized into its active metabolite, cycloguanil, which blocks dihydrofolate reductase and enzymes required for making pyrimidine which is a chemical needed for production of …

What is phenazopyridine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phenazopyridine is an oral urinary analgesic (pain relieving medication). It is available over-the-counter (without a prescription or OTC) in lower strengths, and with a prescription for higher strengths. It is used commonly to treat symptoms of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other symptoms associated with lower urinary tract infections …

Do I need a prescription for doxycycline? Yes What is doxycycline? Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic derived from tetracycline. What brand names are available for doxycycline? Brand names for doxycycline hyclate include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, Doxy, Monodox, and others. Is doxycycline available as a generic drug? Yes Why is doxycycline prescribed to patients? …

Typhus facts Typhus is a vector-borne bacterial disease; there are two types termed endemic and epidemic. Typhus has a long and deadly history, especially epidemic typhus. Bacteria causes typhus. Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus. Rickettsia typhi and, occasionally, R. felis cause endemic typhus and are transmitted to humans by vectors such as lice (mainly epidemic) and fleas (mainly endemic). Risk …