What Drugs Do You Use to Treat Bronchitis?

What Drugs Do You Use to Treat Bronchitis?
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Bronchitis refers to a medical condition in which the lungs become inflamed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some signs of bronchitis include a fever, fatigue, wheezing, yellow or green phlegm and a sore throat. Sometimes, bronchitis leads to wheezing and shortness of breath. Fortunately, drugs used to treat bronchitis exist.

Moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin, commonly sold as Avelox, is an antibiotic medication that specifically treats bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of the skin, abdomen and skin. MedlinePlus indicates that moxifloxacin belongs to the category of medications called fluoroquinolones. This medication works to eliminate the bacteria that leads to an infection.

Moxifloxacin's less-serious side effects include gas, heartburn, a dry mouth and a headache. Some of moxifloxacin's serious side effects include blistering or peeling of the skin, nervousnessness, dizziness, seizures, easy bleeding or bruising and restlessness. Notify a doctor when moxifloxacin leads to these effects. Taking such medications as ibuprofen, warfarin, cisapride and naproxen may require a decrease in moxifloxacin's dose. Moxifloxacin is a tablet taken daily every 5 to 21 days.

Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin, commonly sold as Biaxin, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. Drugs.com says that clarithromycin treats infections of the skin and respiratory system. Clarithromycin's less concerning side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, a headache, confusion and anxiety. Its serious effects include an irregular heartbeat, a sore throat, a headache and a red skin rash. Phone a doctor when clarithromycin leads to these effects. Suffering from liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis or porphyria may require a decrease in clarithromycin's dose. Clarithromycin is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.

Cefaclor

Cefaclor, commonly sold as Ceclor, is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of medications known as cephalosporin. Drugs.com says that cefaclor's less serious side effects include anxiety, drowsiness, a headache, a sore throat and a runny nose. Cefaclor's serious side effects include bloody or watery diarrhea, a pounding or fast heartbeat and a headache. Notify a doctor when cefaclor leads to these effects. Cefaclor is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.

References

Article reviewed by RAS Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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