19-9
ANTIBIOTICS WITH SPECIAL USES
Some antibiotics are especially effective for particular illnesses:
Tetracycline works
for brucellosis (and
also for gallbladder
infections).
Ampicillin is best for
typhoid fever. (Use
chloramphenicol if
ampicillin does not work
or is not available.)
Three medicines
together are needed to
fight tuberculosis.
A sulfa drug is best for most minor bladder
and urinary tract infections. It is low cost and
has a narrower range than other choices.
However, if the infection
is severe or has gone into
the kidneys, ampicillin
may be a better choice.
Why?
(Include whichever TB
medicines are commonly
used in your area.)
If the person is not allergic,
penicillin is often best for
gonorrhea and syphilis because:
• It kills the bacteria.
• It is not poisonous.
• It has a narrow range.
Note: in some areas, ampicillm may work
better for gonorrhea and syphilis. In other
areas, gonorrhea has become resistant to
penicillin, ampicillin, and some other antibiotics.
Tetracycline is not usually recommended to
treat syphilis, unless the person is allergic to
penicillin.