Antibiotics?

[watergazer]

Hi everyone let’s hope 2018 is a one for us with health problems. I know this has been on the forum before but what is the best antibiotic to ask for for chest infections? Amoxicillin doesn’t seem to work. Thanks.

[watergazer]

Sorry meant to say “good one”

[mrsmummy]

The best will always depend on what is causing the infection, which is why it is important to have a sputum check done to identify the problem. Don't hold off though. The advice I was given is to immediately use what I have and it will be adjusted if necessary.

[watergazer in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you mrsmummy

[O2Trees]

MrsM is right that the best thing is to get a sputum test as early as possible which will hopefully be able to indicate which is the best antibiotic for the bacteria in question. I say hopefully as sometimes the test comes back negative even when a bug is present.

Sometimes amoxicillin ceases to work on its own for some people and it can then be prescribed with clavulinic acid which makes the amoxicillin active again. The name of this medication is Augmentin and this might be something to talk to your GP about when thinking about which AB you should have in your emergency pack.

Otherwise you could call the BLF helpline (03000 030 555 office hours) and talk this through with one of their nurses.

[watergazer]

Thank you for your advice