Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disease of the lungs usually caused by smoking. This disease of the lungs causes shortness of breath, productive cough, wheezing and chest tightness. Diseases such as a cold or flu can easily turn into pneumonia in patients with COPD. When patients have exacerbations of their COPD, they are often given antibiotics for treatment, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for seven to 10 days is a treatment for mild exacerbation of COPD. Doxycycline is effective against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis, which are the most common pathogens causing disease of the lungs. Doxycycline is recommended for outpatient therapy. Doxycycline is a tetracycline medication and works by slowing the growth of the bacteria, according to Drugs.com. Patients with liver or kidney disease may need a dose adjustment. Doxycycline should not be taken with milk or dairy products as they may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic, Drugs.com notes. As with most antibiotics, doxycycline can cause diarrhea. Doxycycline makes the skin sensitive to the sun.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a combination antibiotic. The sulfamethoxazole is from the class of antibiotics known as sulfonamides, which prevent the growth of bacteria in the body. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of mild exacerbations of COPD. This medication is given orally and is effective against the S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis as well as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Rare but fatal reactions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole have occurred. Reactions such as sudden and severe liver damage, disintegration of the outside layer of skin and destruction of bone marrow, according to Drugs.com.
Levofloxacin
For patients older than 65 years or patients with frequent exacerbations, a fluoroquinolone such as levofloxacin should be used. Levofloxacin 500 mg once a day for seven to 10 days should be given. According to Drugs.com, levofloxacin can also make the skin sensitive to sunlight and easily burned. Levofloxacin comes with a black box warning about the potential for tearing or rupture of the Achilles tendon. This complication is more likely in patients with kidney or other transplant, patients on chronic steroids and elderly patients. Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with water.
