Is amoxicillin a "broad spectrum" antibiotic? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

pnut · 12-14-2004, 05:37 AM

Hi,

Sorry to post again ..

Is amoxicillin a "broad spectrum" antibiotic???? The reason I ask is that Keflex is and I just noticed (while looking thru my records), that Keflex made me retain, and I couldn't pee. SO, I can't take it.

I have taken amoxicillin before, but can't remember if I had a bad reaction. Is it as effective as other antibiotics in killing "mixed organisims"????? What about macrodantin????

Please, any advice is sooooo appreciated. I'm just so miserable, and my doctor keeps giving me things that make my situation worse. I can't kill the germs if I can't pee them out! ughhhh

Thank you,

Dee

Betsie · 12-14-2004, 06:03 AM

I think your best bet on this question is to call your pharmacist. They not only know the answers on antibs, but also know your Rx history. I think any answers here may be very subjective and misleading...I have GI disorders and have to be prescribed certain tyes of antibs due to that...so I would ask the pros on this or at the very least research them online first.

Babs RN · 12-14-2004, 06:04 AM

I will answer your question pnut with understanding that I am just a nurse and this is solely based on my experience and knowledge base. If you have a severe infection, amoxicillin is not that broad spectrum of an abx and not all that effective for a whole lot of bugs. Easier on the tummy than Keflex for sure which is the gold standard for alot of skin infections. There are all sorts of different classes on anti's--based on how the med kills the bacteria at the cellular level. For example Levaquin is a quinolone which is one of the newer classes. Keflex is an early cephalosporin, developed since late 70's. I think we are now at 5th generation cephalorsporins. Amox is in the penicillin family. To make a long story short which anti you are on is need to reflect the susceptibility that your doc should have gotten from the urine culture.

Let me know if you have more questions, sorry for the pharm lecture. Blame my fingers.

Hugs,
Barb

***Katrina*** · 12-15-2004, 09:36 AM

Thanks Barb! Dee...a call to the pharmacy sounds like a good idea. Let us know how it goes!

pnut · 12-15-2004, 10:13 AM

Hi guys, thanks for the info.

I did call the pharmacy and she said that Macrodantin was a good UTI antibiotic, but my doctor thought I should try Cipro because it's stronger to knock out the bacteria ( that I've had FOREVER that hasn't gone away because I never ended up finishing my round of antibiotcs at the time ), and then once it's gone, he wants me to go on a low dose of macrodantin for 6 months to keep all infections away.

SO, that is the game plan for now.

I'm just PRAYING that I feel better soon, it's one thing when you have to pee a lot, but another when you have to go and it won't come out! Talk about having a heart attack, ughhhhh. Anyway, I'm being positive and believing in the cipro! I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks for responding and all the info.

Talk to you soon,

XoXo,
Dee