Infection and Inflammation Medications

Ceftriaxone is a broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic. Broad spectrum means it is effective against many different types of bacteria.

It works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacteria need a strong cell wall to survive and multiply. When that wall is disrupted, the bacteria weaken and die. It is commonly used for pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.

Vancomycin is an antibiotic used when resistant bacteria are suspected. Resistant bacteria are strains that have adapted and no longer respond to certain standard antibiotics. One example is MRSA, which stands for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Like some other antibiotics, vancomycin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall formation. Because it can affect kidney function, blood levels are sometimes monitored to ensure safe dosing.

When vancomycin is used, it often means the infection could involve more aggressive or hospital acquired organisms.

This combination antibiotic treats severe infections. Piperacillin kills bacteria. Tazobactam blocks beta lactamase, an enzyme some bacteria produce to inactivate antibiotics.

It covers gram negative bacteria, which have a specific outer membrane structure, and anaerobic bacteria, which grow without oxygen.

It is used when broad coverage is needed.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that interferes with bacterial protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is the process bacteria use to build essential proteins.

It is effective against atypical bacteria, which are organisms that do not respond to some standard antibiotics.

It is commonly used in respiratory infections.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by suppressing immune signaling.

In certain infections, inflammation itself causes tissue damage.

Reducing inflammation can improve outcomes alongside antibiotic treatment.