Antibiotics For Epididymitis

Epididymitis refers to a bacterial or sexually transmitted inflammation of the epididymis, a structure in the male reproductive tract that is responsible for carrying sperm. Some symptoms of epididymitis include a tender scrotum, pain in the testicles, painful intercourse and painful urination. Fortunately, antibiotics for epididymitis exist to prevent such complications as pus formation in the scrotum and shrinking of the testicles.

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra DS, Sulfatrim) is a combination antibiotic medication that is used to eliminate all sorts of bacteria. These drugs can also treat ear infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea and Pneumocysitis carinii pneumonia, a type of lung infection typically found in people with weakened immune systems.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim's common effects include dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), joint pain and trouble sleeping. It can also lead to a swollen tongue and a sensation of spinning. Call a doctor if these side effects last for more than five days.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim's serious effects include shortness of breath, cough, easy bleeding or bruising, a slow heart rate and muscle weakness. Easy bleeding or bruising is a typical sign of low platelet levels. Platelets are substances that help clot blood. A slow heart rate does not bring enough blood to organs like the brain and can result in fainting. These drugs can also lead to liver problems. Signs of this include nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

A change in sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim's dose may be necessary in people who suffer from such diseases as AIDS, kidney or liver disease, folic acid deficiency and asthma.

This drug is available as a liquid and should be taken as your doctor prescribes.

Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin, Rocephin IM Convenience Kit (obsolete), Rocephin ADD-Vantage) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of infections such as meningitis, a type of brain infection. It's common side effects include headache, dizziness, vaginal itching or discharge, sweating, nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. Call a physician if ceftriaxone's side effects last for more than five days.

Ceftriaxone's serious side effects include fever, chills, white patches in the mouth or lips, blistering of the skin, decreased urination and heartburn. Ceftriaxone can also cause muscle weakness, numbness, bloody or watery diarrhea and confusion. Phone a doctor right away when ceftriaxone causes these effects.

Ceftriaxone's dose may need changing if you have gallbladder problems, liver or kidney disease, stomach problems or malnourishment.

Typically, people receive a 250 mg injection intramuscularly (through the muscle) as one dose.

Azithromycin

Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax, AzaSite) is an antibiotic medication that also treats pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases and infections of the ear, throat or skin. This drugs belongs to a set of drugs called macrolide antibiotics and it works to stop bacterial growth.

Azithromycin's common effects include skin rash, diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting. Call a physician when azithromycin's effects last for more than five to seven days. Azithromycin's serious effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Notify a doctor immediately when azithromycin causes these effects.

Taking azithromycin with such drugs as clarithromycin, digoxin or cyclosporine may require a change in azithromycin's dose.

Azithromycin is a tablet or liquid that is taken daily for one to five days.