Tag Archives: infectious disease

Metronidazole vs. ketoconazole: What’s the difference? Metronidazole and ketoconazole are used to treat different kinds of infections. Metronidazole is used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, amebic dysentery, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas who do not have symptoms of infection; to treat abscesses in …

Ofloxacin vs. ciprofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. A brand name for ofloxacin is Ocuflox. The Floxin brand of ofloxacin has been discontinued. A brand name for ciprofloxacin is Cipro. Side …

Ofloxacin vs. levofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and levofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. Levofloxacin is also used for treating bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, ears, airways, bones, and joints; infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, …

Ofloxacin vs. erythromycin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and erythromycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, and STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia). Erythromycin is also used in patients who are allergic to penicillin for the prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever and infections of the hearts' valves (endocarditis) in patients with valvular abnormalities of the heart before …

Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts X-ray image of lungs of patient with Legionnaires’; disease Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. The bacterium thrives in droplets of water and moist conditions usually associated with water systems. The bacterium can infest an entire building. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' …

What is piperacillin/tazobactam sodium injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zosyn is an injectable combination of two antibiotics, piperacillin and tazobactam, with broad spectrum activity against an extended range of bacterial species. Piperacillin is an extended-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, but it can be destroyed by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta lactamase. Tazobactam inhibits beta lactamase and …

Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Abreva (docosanol): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol) are antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis). Valtrex is also used to treat shingles (herpes zoster) and genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) infections. Abreva is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic. Valtrex is an oral drug and Abreva is a topical (for the …

Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Valcyte (valganciclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Valcyte (valganciclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat different conditions. Valtrex is used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Valcyte is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ …

What is lincomycin (Lincocin)? What is lincomycin used for? Lincomycin (Lincocin) is an injectable man-made antibiotic. Lincomycin kills bacteria by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce important proteins necessary for them to survive. Lincomycin is effective against many types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, and others. The FDA approved lincomycin in December …

Polio facts Picture of a Polio Vaccine Bottle Polio is an infectious disease caused by viruses. The symptoms may range from none to paralysis and death. Polio has been traced back almost 6,000 years. Great strides have been made in preventing this disease. Polio is caused by person-to-person transmission of polio viruses (enteroviruses, three main types). Not receiving the polio …