Antibiotics Recommended for Infected Wounds

An infection is the growth of a parasitic organism, also called a germ, within the body. The onset of an infection is sudden, causing pain and swelling around the wound. Those germs, more commonly bacteria, attach to the tissues preventing the wound from healing.

The bacteria can also enter the blood through the vein and cause a severe infection or sepsis. The antibiotic is chosen based on the bacteria present. Oral antibiotics are taken by mouth, while IV antibiotics are administered through a needle directly into the bloodstream.

1. Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic with a spectrum of antibiotic activity similar to the penicillins 2. It is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, ear infections and skin infections.

It works by hindering with the ability of the bacterial cells to buildup and repair its cell wall, according to Drugs.com. Cephalexin is not prescribed for patients who are allergic to antibiotics 2.

2. Amoxicillin

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Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin group of beta-lactam antibiotics. It has an effect only on bacterial population and is not effective against non-bacterial infections, such as viral infections.

A member of the penicillin class, amoxicillin does not kill bacteria directly, but rather destroys the cell wall, preventing them from making proteins, which are necessary for them to survive and thrive. Amoxicillin may be useful for infections caused by gram-positive organisms, such as Streptococci and E. coli.

3. Augmentin

Augmentin is a member of the penicillin family of antibiotics 4. It is specifically designed to fight penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria. An oral antibacterial combination, augmentin consists of amoxicillin, a semisynthetic penicillin, and clavulanate potassium, a potassium salt 4.

Amoxicillin eliminates bacteria that cause sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections and bronchitis. As a beta-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate potassium overcomes granting immunity in beta-lactamase secreting bacteria, thereby counteracting conceivable bacterial resistance to the amoxicillin, according to Drugs.com