Bacteria are tiny organisms that can infiltrate the body and create a wide variety of infections. The Merck Manual, an online collection of medical information, says bacteria are normally present in the body. In fact, large amounts are found in the gastrointestinal system. Sometimes, the bacteria can overgrow. Antibiotic medications can be taken to eliminate the bacteria from the body.
Rifampin
Rifampin is an antibiotic medication that prevents bacteria from spreading in the body. According to Drugs.com, rifampin specifically treats tuberculosis, a lung infection. It can also destroy bacteria in the throat or nose that lead to such infections as meningitis, a brain infection.
Rifampin's common effects include fatigue. Also, do not be alarmed if the urine, sweat, saliva and tears turn a red or orange color, as rifampin causes this when it breaks down in the body. Tell a doctor when rifampin's common effects remain for more than one week.
Rifampin's serious effects include joint pain or swelling, easy bleeding or bruising, weakness, body aches, fever, chills and decreased urination. This drug also causes stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes and body aches. Call a doctor immediately when rifampin causes these effects.
An alteration of rifampin's dose may be necessary in people who suffer from liver disease or porphyria (a type of genetic condition that affects the skin or nervous system).
It is possible that rifampin can lead to harm to a fetus during pregnancy.
Rifampin is available as a capsule that should be taken one hour prior to or two hours after eating. Take rifampin as directed.
Linezolid
MedlinePlus says linezolid belongs to a class of medications called oxalidinones. It works specifically to halt the growth of bacteria. Linezolid specifically treats urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and blood and skin infections.
Linezolid's common side effects include a headache, diarrhea, a rash, fever and dizziness. Linezolid also causes constipation and stomach problems. Notify a physician when linezolid's effects last for more than five to seven days.
Linezolid's serious effects include abnormal bleeding or bruising, a lack of energy, pale skin, a sore throat and signs of infection, such as a fever. Contact a doctor immediately when linezolid causes these effects.
Taking linezolid with such medications as sumatriptan, citalopram, fluoxetine or naratriptan may require a change in linezolid's dosage to prevent any side effects.
Linezolid is available as a liquid or tablet. MedlinePlus says it is taken two times a day for 10 to 28 days.
Vancomycin
Vancomycin is an antibiotic medication that is specifically used to manage infections of the large intestine.
Drugs.com says that vancomycin's common effects include nausea, back pain, tightness, nausea and dizziness. Call a doctor when vancomycin's effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Vancomycin's serious effects include hearing loss, decreased urination, fainting, light-headedness and watery or bloody diarrhea. Body aches, the flu, chills, ringing in the ears, a skin rash and infrequent urination are some of vancomycin's serious effects. Vancomycin can also lead to bruising, tingling or numbness and a fever. Talk to a doctor when vancomycin causes these effects.
Vancomycin's dose may need adjustment if taken when suffering from kidney disease, hearing problems, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
Vancomycin is available as a liquid or capsule and should be taken as indicated.
