Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria commonly known as staph. Staph is responsible for a variety of types of infections that range from minor to severe. Staph can cause skin infections such as impetigo, boils and cellulitis, but it can also be the cause of serious diseases like pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, food poisoning and sepsis as listed by the National Institutes Of Health. It is also the cause of methicillin resistant staph aureus, or MRSA. Staph infections are treated with antibiotics, although staph has become resistant to most of the penicillins, so they are no longer considered to be a first line choice of treatment.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Triple antibiotic ointment is a combination of bacitracin, neomycin and polymixin B. It is used for the treatment of minor skin infections caused by staph, such as folliculitis, boils and pimples. It is available without a prescription and is also available in a cream form. It is only for external use.
Mupirocin
Mupirocin is an antibacterial ointment used for the treatment of the skin infection impetigo. It is only available by prescription and is for external use.
Vancomycin
Vancomycin is an antibiotic used for the more serious diseases and in cases where there is an allergy to penicillin. According to Drugs.com, Vancomycin can be effective in treating MRSA, and endocarditis, an infection inside the heart. It is administered intravenously so it must be given in the hospital or at home by a nurse. Any side effects such as a rash, fever, chills, diarrhea or shortness of breath, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Daptomycin
Daptomycin is an another type of intravenous antibiotic that is used to treat MRSA and endocarditis resulting from a staph infection. It must also be administered in the hospital or at home by a nurse. Side effects include numbness, tingling, skin rashes and diarrhea. Any side effects should be reported to the doctor.
Clindamycin
Clindamyin, brand name Cleocin, is an oral antibiotic used in the treatment of MRSA, especially for hospital acquired MRSA, or HA-MRSA, according to the National Institutes Of Health. Side effects to look for include diarrhea, fever, chills, or rash and should be reported to a doctor.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are a group of oral antibiotics that include minocycline and doxycycline and are sometimes used to treat MRSA. Tetracyclines must be taken with a full glass of water and should not be used by children or pregnant women. They should not be taken by those with an allergy to tetracyclines. According to Drugs.com, some of the side effects include headaches, blurred vision, skin rashes and nausea. Any side effects should be reported to a medical professional.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, known as TMP-SMX , is occasionally used to treat MRSA, according to the National Institutes Of Health. One of the brand names of TMP-SMX is Bactrim. It is a combination oral antibiotic that does contain sulfa, so cannot be used for someone with a sulfa allergy. It is not considered to be a first line of defense, but can be used when other antibiotics are not effective. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting or skin rash should be reported to the doctor at once.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporin antibiotics, brand names to include Keflex and Cefzil, are oral antibiotics used to treat staph infections of the skin, such as cellulitis. They must be used with caution in those who are allergic to penicillin because there can be a cross reaction between the two. Cephalosporins must be taken with a full glass of water. Fever, sore throat, nausea and a skin rash are some of the side effects and should be reported to the doctor.
Penicillin
Although the MayoClinic.com states that less than 10 percent of staph infections can be treated with penicillin, it can still be used to treat some skin infections such as impetigo if the antibiotic ointment is not effective. Some brand names of penicillin-containing antibiotics are ampicillin, amoxicillin and dicloxacillin. Penicillin-containing antibiotics cannot be taken by those with penicillin allergies. Side effects can include shortness of breath, itching, skin rash and headache according to Drugs.com. Any side effects should be reported immediately.
