Medicines for infections
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
This group covers medicines used to treat infections, including antibiotics that act on bacteria. It follows the grouping used in the National Formulary of India, published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. It includes penicillins such as amoxicillin, macrolides such as azithromycin and fluoroquinolones such as ofloxacin. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections only, need a doctor's prescription and do not work for colds or flu.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
Types of medicine in this group
Medicines for infections includes these types of medicine.
Common questions
Do antibiotics work for colds and flu?
No. Colds, flu and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics act only on bacteria. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed does not help you recover, can cause side effects and makes bacteria more likely to become resistant. A doctor decides whether an infection needs an antibiotic.
Why should I finish the antibiotic course my doctor prescribed?
Feeling better does not always mean all the bacteria are gone. Stopping early can let the infection come back and helps resistant bacteria survive. Take the antibiotic for as long as your doctor prescribes, and never keep leftover tablets for later or share them with others.
Sources
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
- Antibiotics. NHS (UK)
- Respiratory tract infections (RTIs). NHS (UK)