The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found at the base of the bladder in men. Its main function is to produce the liquid component in semen. An inflammatory condition known as prostatitis may affect young and middle-aged men. There are two forms of prostatitis that are caused by a bacterial infection. These are acute bacterial prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Both forms are uncommon, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. However, acute prostatitis is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, tetracycline, ofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are usually prescribed.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, is a synthetic antibiotic available by prescription. It is supplied as a tablet for oral delivery. A doctor should advise on the correct dose and treatment schedule. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may cause side effects such as joint pain, insomnia, dizziness and a painful or swollen tongue. It should not be used by patients who are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim. This antibiotic can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, warns RxList.com. As such, patients using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should avoid overexposure to the sun.
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin, also known by the trade name, Floxin, belongs to the class of antibiotics known as fluroquinolones. Ofloxacin is available as tablets for oral administration, and is used to treat mild to moderate infections in adults. RxList.com suggests that to treat prostatitis, a patient would likely need to take 600mg of ofloxacin for six weeks. However, this is only a guideline and a patient should strictly follow their doctor's guidance. Ofloxacin may cause side effects including headaches, nausea and mild skin itching. RxList.com also warns that ofloxacin is associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture. This risk is greatest in patients over 60 years of age.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is approved for a number of conditions caused by a bacterial infection. It is supplied in tablet form or as a liquid suspension to be taken orally. Tetracycline may be contraindicated in patients taking other drugs including cholesterol-lowering medications, antacids and anticoagulants. Men taking any of these drugs should speak to their doctor before using tetracycline to treat prostatitis. As with other antibiotics, tetracycline may cause side effects including nausea, a swollen tongue and joint pain, according to Drugs.com.
