A high dose of antibiotics

[Jonn54]

Could anybody explain why my consultant has prescribed me an open script and too take 12x 500mcg per day of a/b .

I know my breathing has got worse and a long time sufferer of bronchiectasis but this does seem to be a very high dose??

[mrsmummy]

I think 500mcg is equivalent to 0.5 mg so the 12 tablets would equal 6mg daily. Does that sound better?

[Jonn54 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thx for reply mrsmummy

I got that wrong it's 500mg X 12 per day

[peege in reply to Jonn54]

Yes, that 12x500mg does seem excessive. I've never ever heard of anyone taking that amount - what is the antibiotic called and do you have an infection.

I wonder if the people who've had pseudomonas took this amount?

[Hidden]

That's the nature of bronchiectasis John. We need much higher doses of abs for longer than other lung conditions. I would trust your consultant.

[Hidden]

When I was on amoxycillin years ago I used to take 3000mg twice per day which is the same dose that you are on. Different abs are given at different doses though.

[Jonn54 in reply to Hidden]

Hi littleporn

Thx for response what worries me more is I no longer see the specialist so have been taking this dose for months when I seen gp she really couldn't answer and simply re prescribed they are now on my repeat script.

I'm considering stopping them myself

[Hidden in reply to Jonn54]

I really wouldn't trust a GP who has no idea about dosing abs for bronchiectsis. I have had the same problem myself all of my life and for years have had my main relationship with my consultant. Only using the GP as a conduit to prescribe what the consultant tells them to. It is rather concerning that you have been on the same antibiotic for so long anyway as the bugs change. With bronchiectasis you do need a bronchiectasis specialist to look after you and you should see them at least every six months. Most GPs are woefully ignorant of bronch and what you say about yours just confirms this. It is not COPD and needs very different treatment but they are mostly only trained in COPD. I suggest that you look for a bronch specialist in your area - not a general chest consultant because they can be as bad with bronch as GPs but won't admit it. Most bronch specialists are based at big teaching hospitals so look to see if there is one near you. Then go to your GP with the name and insist on a referral. Don't take no for an answer. Anybody who has had bronch for most of their lives will tell you that we have to be pro active in our own interests and if this means chivvying the medics, so be it. Good luck.

[Dazzler142]

Hi there,

I am constantly taking cipro 2000mg per day but only when i start with an infection,has your consultant said the same? It's probably on repeat so you can get them quickly if needed,i get an infection every 4 to 6 weeks so mine are on repeat too.

You certainly need the right consultant for bronchiectasis as its a horrible condition.

I take azithromycin 500mg every other day as a preventative also but you are on a high dose.

I would do as others have advised here its the best advice

Good luck

Jenny

[LINDA70]

I have severe Emphysema and Bronchiectasis and my Consultant gives me the same Stand-by Prescription of Amoxicillin 500mg 2 tabs 3 times a day for 2 weeks plus Prednisolone tabs. This means I do not have to wait for a prescription if I have a chest infection. I do not take them on a long term basis. I believe a different type of ab is prescribed for long term use as a preventative measure.

You need to contact the Consultant's Secretary at the Hospital and she will find out if you only need the ab's when you have an infection. Best to be safe than sorry.

Cheers,

Linda

[Jonn54 in reply to LINDA70]

Hi linda

Thx for the reply

Hope youer well

I think youer right i shall speak to the hospital and see if i should be constantly taking these tabs.