Patient Education Antibiotics

Penicillins

Take doses evenly/around the clock and finish the course; take with a full glass of water; report diarrhea and any rash; use backup birth control if on oral contraceptives; notify provider if symptoms worsen or reaction occurs.

Cephalosporins

Avoid alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction); report rash; report persistent diarrhea/foul stool; watch for yeast-type symptoms (vaginal itching) or tongue changes and report if they occur.

Carbapenems

Report new fever or worsening symptoms while on the antibiotic; report persistent diarrhea or new oral/vaginal symptoms that appear after starting the med.

Monobactam

Contact provider immediately for fever or severe diarrhea (especially bloody); report new/worsening infection symptoms while taking the medication.

Sulfonamides

Report rash, sore throat, fever, mouth sores, or unusual bruising; use sun protection; avoid NSAIDs; monitor blood sugar if diabetic and report abnormal patterns.

Fluoroquinolones

Take as directed and separate from antacids/dairy (space doses); drink >1500 mL fluids daily; use sun protection; report tendon pain, numbness/tingling (neuropathy), mood changes, jaundice, rash, fainting, or heart symptoms.

Macrolides

Stop and seek care for heart-rhythm symptoms; report signs of liver problems; may cause drowsiness—use caution with activities requiring alertness.

Aminoglycosides

Report tinnitus (ringing), vertigo, numbness/tingling; drink plenty of fluids; report any worsening symptoms while on therapy.

Tetracycline

Do not take with dairy; take with 8 oz of water; use sun protection; use backup birth control if needed (can reduce effectiveness).