Are antibiotics available without a prescription? | Antibiotic therapy for chlamydia

Are antibiotics available without a prescription?

Antibiotics are not available without a prescription. The background to this is the increasing antibiotic resistance of various bacterial strains. The resistances are caused by incorrect and too frequent use of antibiotics. To prevent this, antibiotics are not available without a prescription throughout the EU. One must always consult a doctor who will prescribe the right antibiotic after the examination.

The various antibiotics

Doxycycline is an antibiotic which belongs to the group of tetracyclines. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and can be used against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative and cell-wall-free bacteria. The clinical pictures that can be treated with it include respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, middle ear infection and infection in the genital area.

The effect is based on an inhibition of protein biosynthesis. Consequently, the bacteria can no longer multiply (so-called bacteriostatic effect) and die. Possible side effects are irritation of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat.

This can cause nausea and vomiting. An allergic reaction can also occur. Interactions with other drugs are also possible and should be checked by the treating physician beforehand.

Patients with severe liver damage should not take doxycycline. Pregnant women should also refrain from taking it from the 16th week of pregnancy onwards, as otherwise developmental disorders will develop in the unborn child. The same applies to breast-feeding, the intake is not recommended.

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic which belongs to the group of gyrase inhibitors (fluoroquinolones). The effect is based on faulty DNA replication, which leads to cell death. Ciprofloxacin therefore has a bacteriostatic effect.

Ciprofloxacin is mainly used with gram-negative pathogens, which also include chlamydia. Furthermore, ciprofloxacin is used for gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, and also for infections of the bile ducts or the abdominal cavity. Known side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Skin rashes are also frequently observed. Patients over 60 years of age should be careful with the application, as ciprofloxacin can have a negative effect on the tendon structure. Tears of the tendons have been observed more frequently after ingestion.

Cartilage damage is also possible (so-called chondrotoxicity). Fluoroquinolones should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children. Ciprofloxacin may also interact with other drugs.

The doctor treating you should check this before prescribing the antibiotic. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of macrolides. Its effect is also based on an inhibition of protein biosynthesis, which leads to a growth stop in bacteria.

Azithromycin is used in cases of respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, middle ear infection or tonsillitis. Azithromycin is also effective for infections of the urogenital tract (urinary tract and genital area). Possible side effects are gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Serious side effects are cardiovascular disturbances. The antibiotic can prolong the so-called QT interval and thus trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Allergic reactions to the substance are also possible.

Before taking the antibiotic, the treating physician should also check possible interactions with other drugs. Azithromycin should not be taken in cases of renal failure and liver dysfunction. Azithromycin should also not be taken in the case of allergic reactions to the substance.

During pregnancy and lactation the antibiotic should only be administered if the benefit is greater than the risk. In this case, however, strict tests should be carried out. The side effects of an antibiotic therapy Amoxicillin belongs to the group of aminopenicillins.

The effect is based on an inhibition of the cell wall synthesis (so-called bactericidal effect). It is indicated for respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections (Helicobacter eradication) and infections of the kidneys, urinary tract and genital tract. Possible side effects are gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and diarrhoea.

Other side effects that are frequently observed are allergic reactions. Those affected suffer from a reddened rash accompanied by itching. In rare cases, severe shortness of breath and fever may occur.

Other side effects can affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Anxiety, confusion and clouding of consciousness may occur. In addition, an increased sensitivity to light and sounds can be triggered.

As with all other antibiotics, the treating physician should check interactions with other medications before taking them. Amoxicillin can be taken during pregnancy, but so far there has been no study that has proven negative effects. .