Antibiotics The fight against infectious organisms is, of course, thousands of years old but in modern times our

weapons are formidable compared to ancient remedies. Consider the impact of the discovery of penicillin not so long ago. Here are some medications currently used against infection in our pets.

Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Biomox, Robamox-V, Amoxi-Drop, Amoxi-Inject ) Amoxicillin represents a synthetic improvement upon the original Penicillin molecule. Amoxicillin is better able to resist damage from stomach acid so less of an oral dose is wasted. While it is still susceptible to destruction by Staphylococcal enzymes, it does have a much broader spectrum against the Gram negative cell wall and is able to last a bit longer. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin) The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (sodium clavulanate) is similar as for amoxicillin except that the clavulanate is able to protect the penicillin structure from destruction by Staphylococci. This combined medication can be used against anything amoxicillin could be used for plus Staphlylococcal infections (usually skin infections). Azithromycin (Zithromax) Azithromycin has activity against many bacterial species. Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin) Cefpodoxime is able to treat more complicated infections, so it is often selected for jobs where other antibiotics are expected to fail. Cephalexin (Keflex) Cephalexin is a good broad spectrum antibiotic, which means it is useful in most common and uncomplicated infections. It is especially useful against staphylococcal infections (most skin infections) and is commonly used for long (6-8 week courses) against deep skin infections (pyodermas). Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC) Chloramphenicol represents years of antibiotic development. Due to its pH, it shines above most other antibiotics in terms of ability to penetrate. Chloramphenicol can easily pass deeply through purulent material to the organisms hiding within, through cell membranes to attack parasites living within, and into organs where other antibiotics cannot go. Clindamycin Hydrochloride (Clindadrops, Antirobe, Cleosin) Clindamycin is an antibiotic of the lincosamide class and possesses similar properties to its sister compound lincomycin. To understand how these medications work, it is important to understand how cells make proteins. Doxycycline (Vibramycin) The tetracycline antibiotic family provides broad anti-bacterial protection by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. The body possesses many barriers through which antibiotics have difficulty penetrating. Infections behind these barriers can be difficult to treat. Doxycycline represents a modification of the basic tetracycline structure to enhance its ability to penetrate such biological barriers and to increase its duration of action. Enrofloxacin (Baytril) This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. Enrofloxacin is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for skin infections. Erythromycin (Ery-tab, Ery-Ped, Eryc) Today erythromycin has seen some resurgence in popularity. This is partly because of over use of drugs that had previously eclipsed erythromycin. Staphylococci developed resistance to the new drugs leading to a return to older drugs. Metronidazole (Flagyl) Metronidazole is an antibiotic especially effective against anaerobic infections. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine and is an effective anti-diarrhea medication. It's also an effective antibiotic against certain protozoal infections, especially Giardia. Orbifloxacin (Orbax) Orbifloxacin may be used in dogs and cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas.

This medication is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for skin infections. Sulfadimethoxine (Albon) Sulfa drugs may have numerous uses, but in small animals sulfadimethoxine is used almost exclusively for the treatment of intestinal parasites known as coccidia. These parasites are single-celled organisms capable of causing intense diarrheas in their hosts. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) Sulfasalazine represents an innovative exception in antibiotics used for colitis. Essentially, a salve is applied to the surface of the inflamed colon. Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetracap, Tetracyn, Sumycin, Tetralan) The tetracycline antibiotic family provides broad anti-bacterial protection by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. The body possesses many barriers through which antibiotics have difficulty penetrating (the nervous system, prostate gland, and eye are some examples). Infections behind these barriers can be difficult to treat. Trimethoprim Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim) Trimethoprim sulfa is known by many names as it's a commonly used antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It's become a popular choice thanks to its broad spectrum and inexpensive cost. Tylosin (Tylan) An antibiotic, tylosin is used for its anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine rather than for its ability to fight infection.