Alternative antibiotics Garth Nicolson's protocol

[Guest guest]

, this is for you. The post is long, but I think many of you will be

interested. Nicolson is brilliant, probably one of the best scientists on

earth today. He lists several antibiotics which work against mycoplasma

infections. You will find this list in the second half of this post, so keep

scrolling. These antibiotics also work for lyme disease and chlamydia

pneumoniae (not sexually transmitted). He also mentions some natural immune

system enhancers some of you may want to try.

Best wishes,

a Carnes

> PJ wrote:

> >

> > >From the Intern. J. Medicine 1998; 1: 115-117, 123-128.

> >

> > CONSIDERATIONS WHEN UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR GULF WAR ILLNESS, CHRONIC

> > FATIGUE SYNDROME, FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME OR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

> >

> > by Prof. Garth L. Nicolson

> >

> > The Institute for Molecular Medicine, 15162 Triton Lane, Huntington

> > Beach, California 92649-1041 Tel: (714) 903-2900 Fax: (714)

> > 379-2082 E-mail: gnicimm@... Website: www.immed.org

> > _________________________________________________________

> >

> > There are a number of considerations when undergoing therapy. The IMM

> > is a nonprofit institution and does not endorse commercial products.

> > The products and procedures below are only examples of the types of

> > substances that could be beneficial to patients. Consult your personal

> > physician for advice.

> >

> > Antibiotic Therapy for Chronic Infections and Inhibiting Drugs

> >

> > Subsets of GWI (~45%), FMS (~70%), CFS (~60%) or RA (~50%) patients have

> > chronic mycoplasmal infections, and probably other infections as well.

> > Several months of doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, minocycline,

> > clarithromycin or other antibiotics with cycles of Augmentin in between

> > or concurrently, if needed, work best. Oral antibiotics must be taken

> > with a full glass of water to avoid esophageal irritation. During the

> > first 6 months the cycles are usually run together without a break. To

> > overcome Herxheimer reactions or die-off (chills, fever, night sweats,

> > muscle aches, joint pain, short term memory loss and fatigue) or adverse

> > responses i.v. antibiotics have been used for a few weeks, and a

> > lemon/olive drink is useful (1 blended whole lemon, 1 cup fruit juice, 1

> > tbs olive oil--strain and drink liquid). This period usually passes

> > within 1-2+ weeks. Some add the antiviral Famvir (500 mg 3X/day) for

> > the first 2 weeks in a 6-week antibiotic cycle. Mycoplasmas have some

> > characteristics of viruses, antivirals can have a useful effect, and

> > viral infections are also important in these illnesses. Antibiotic

> > uptake may be inhibited by various drugs, such as anti-depressants

> > (sertaline or Zoloft, fluoxetine or Prozac, amitriptyline or Elavil,

> > maprotiline or Ludiomil, desipramine or Norpramin, clomipramine or

> > Anafranil, nortriptyline or Pamelor, bupropion or Wellbutrin), muscle

> > relaxants (cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril), opiate agonists,

> > anticonvulsives or analgesics (oxycodone or Percodan, carbamazepine or

> > Tegretol, acetaminophen/hydrocodone or Vicodin), narcotics (codeine w/

> > Penergan, propoxyphene or Darvon, morphine), antacids, antidiarrheas,

> > metal salts, others. Some of these (some antibiotics, antidepressants,

> > analgesics, narcotics, etc.) may inhibit immune responses.

> >

> > Oxidative Therapy for Chronic Infections

> >

> > Oxidative therapy appears to be useful in suppressing infections.

> > Hyperbaric oxygen, American Biologics Dioxychlor are useful, or peroxide

> > baths using 2 cups of Epsom salt in 20 inches of hot bath or Jacuzzi.

> > After 5 min add 2-4 bottles 16 oz. of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Repeat

> > 2-3X week; no vitamins 8 hr before bath. The hydrogen peroxide is added

> > after your pores open. Hydrogen peroxide can also be directly applied

> > to skin after a work-out or hot shower/tub. One approach is to apply

> > Swedish Beauty type A tanning accelerator for 5 min before peroxide.

> > Leave hydrogen peroxide on for 5 min and then wash off. For oral

> > irrigation, mix 1 part 30% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and use

> > like a mouth wash 3X per day. Most chronic illness patients have dental

> > problems, and infections are common.

> >

> > General Nutritional Considerations

> >

> > GWI/CFS/FMS/RA patients are often immunosuppressed and susceptible to

> > opportunistic infections, so proper nutrition is imperative. You should

> > not smoke or drink alcohol or caffeinated products. Drink as much fresh

> > fluids as you can, lots of fruit juices or pure water are best. Try to

> > avoid high sugar and fat foods, such as military (MRE) or other fast

> > foods and acid-forming, allergen-prone and system stressing foods or

> > high fat junk foods. Increase your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits

> > and grains, and decrease your intake of fats and simple or refined

> > sugars that can suppress your immune system. To build your immune

> > system cruciferous vegetables, soluble fiber foods, such as prunes and

> > bran, wheat germ, yogurt, fish and whole grains are useful. In some

> > patients exclusive use of 'organic' foods has been beneficial. Various

> > dietary products have been suggested, but controlled trials have not

> > been conducted.

> > Vitamins and Minerals

> >

> > GWI/CFS/FMS/RA patients are often depleted in vitamins (especially B

> > complex, C, E) and certain minerals. Chronic illnesses often result in

> > poor absorption. Therefore, high doses of some vitamins are useful;

> > others, such as vitamin B complex, cannot be easily absorbed by the gut

> > (oral). Sublingual (under the tongue) natural B-complex vitamins in

> > capsules or liquids (Total B, Real Life Research, Norwalk, CA,

> > 562-926-5522 or GNC) should be used instead of swallowed capsules.

> > General vitamins plus extra C, E, CoQ-10, beta-carotene, folic acid,

> > bioflavoids and biotin are best. L-cysteine, L-tyrosine, L-carnitine,

> > malic acid and especially flaxseed oil are reported to be useful.

> > Certain minerals are depleted in chronic illness patients, such as zinc,

> > magnesium, chromium and selenium. Some recommend up to 300 mcg/day

> > sodium selenite, followed by lower doses. Minerals should not be taken

> > at the same time of day as antibiotics because the minerals can affect

> > the absorption of antibiotics.

> >

> > Replacement of Natural Gut Flora with Lactobacillus

> >

> > Patients undergoing treatment with antibiotics and other substances risk

> > destruction of normal gut flora. Antibiotic use that depletes normal

> > gut bacteria and can result in over-growth of less desirable bacteria.

> > To supplement bacteria in the gastrointestinal system yogurt and

> > especially Lactobacillus acidophillus tablets are recommended. Mixtures

> > of Lactobacillus acidophillus, L. bifidus, B. bifidum, L. bulgaricus and

> > FOS (fructoologosaccharides) to promote growth of these " friendly "

> > bacteria in the gut (example, DDS-1, NeutraCeuticals, DDS-Plusor

> > Multi-Flora ABF, UAS Labs (800-422-3371); Intestinal Care-DF. L.

> > acidophillus mixtures above (2.5-3 billion live organisms) should be

> > taken 3X daily.

> >

> > Natural Immunoenhancers or Immunomodulators

> >

> > A number of natural remedies, such as ginseng root, herbal teas,

> > lemon/olive drink, olive leaf extract with antioxidants and are useful,

> > especially during or after antibiotic therapy. Examples are Immunocal

> > (800-337-2411), Echinacea-C (NF Formulas, 800-547-4891),

> > Super-Immunotone (Phyto Pharmica, 800-553-2370), olive leaf extract

> > (Immuno-screen, 818-966-1610), NSC-100 (Nutritional Supply,

> > 888-246-7224), Nu-Life Formula (Sophista-Care, 760-837-1908), Tahitian

> > Noni (Morinda, 800-445-8596) or Super Defense Plus (BioDefense

> > Nutritionals, 800-669-9205). These have been used to boost immune

> > systems. Although these products appear to help many patients, their

> > clinical effectiveness in chronic illness patients has not been

> > evaluated. They appear to be useful during therapy or after to boost

> > the immune system or after antibiotic therapy in a maintenance program

> > to prevent relapse of illness.

> >

> > Yeast/Fungal or Bacterial Overgrowth

> >

> > Yeast overgrowth can occur, especially in females (vaginal infections).

> > Gynecologists recommend Nizoral, Diflucan, Mycelex, or anti-yeast

> > creams. Metronidazole (Flagyl, Prostat) has been used to prevent fungal

> > or parasite overgrowth or other antifungals (Nystatin, Amphotericin B,

> > Fluconazole, Diflucan) have been administered for fungal infections

> > occuring while on antibiotics. As above, L. acidophillus mixtures are

> > used to restore gut flora. Bacterial overgrowth can also occur, for

> > example, in between cycles of antibiotics or after antibiotics have been

> > stopped. This can be controlled with 2 week courses of Augmentin (3 X

> > 500 mg/day) in between cycles or concurrent with other antibiotics.

> >

> > Flying, Exercise and Saunas

> >

> > Flying, excessive exercise and lack of sleep can make signs/symptoms

> > worse. Flying exposes you to lower oxygen tension, and can stimulate

> > borderline anaerobes that grow better at low oxygen (see above). Some

> > exercise is essential, but avoid relapses due to overexertion. Dry

> > saunas help rid the system of chemicals, and saunas should be taken at

> > least 3X per week--moderate exercise, followed by 15-20 min of dry sauna

> > and tepid shower. Repeat saunas no more than 2X per day. Work up a

> > good sweat, eliminating chemicals without placing too much stress on

> > your system, and replace body fluids after each session. During

> > exercise patients should always avoid pollutant and allergen exposures.

> > For recovery after exercise and to decrease muscle soreness, some use a

> > Jacuzzi or hot tub, but only after a sufficient cool-down period. Don't

> > get overheated in the process. Don't over do it!!!

> > ____________________________________________________________

> >

> > ANTIBIOTICS RECOMMENDED WHEN INDICATED FOR TREATMENT OF GULF WAR

> > ILLNESS, CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, FIBROMYALIGIA SYNDROME OR RHEUMATOID

> > ARTHRITIS

> >

> > by Prof. Garth L. Nicolson

> >

> > The Institute for Molecular Medicine, 15162 Triton Lane, Huntington

> > Beach, California 92649-1041

> > Tel: (714) 903-2900 Fax: (714) 379-2082 e-mail:

> > gnicimm@... Website: www.immed.org

> > _____________________________________________________________

> >

> > Doxycycline (aka Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxychel, Doxy-D, Doryx)

> >

> > Doxycycline is a broad spectrum tetracycline with good lipid solubility

> > and ability to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. This antibiotic acts

> > by inhibiting microorganism protein synthesis; it is readily absorbed by

> > the (normal) gut, and peak blood concentrations are maintained between

> > 2-18 hours (half-life, 18-22 hrs) after an oral dose of drug. Food,

> > calcium, magnesium, antacids and some drugs reduce absorption, and

> > alcohol, phenytoin [Dilantin] or barbiturates reduce blood half-life or

> > suppress the immune system. Minocycline (Minocin) can be substituted,

> > and for some illnesses (RA) it is preferred (same dose/day).

> >

> > For GWI/CFS/FMS/RA use, the recommended oral dose is 200-300 mg/day

> > (2-3X 100 mg capsules, 2 in morning) for 6 months. After 6 months, 6

> > week cycles are suggested. Initially, doxycycline exacerbates signs/

> > symptoms (Herxheimer reactions or adverse responses, such as transient

> > fever, skin, gut discomfort, etc.) but these are usually gone within 2

> > weeks or so. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of

> > most major signs and symptoms within 12 weeks, but in some patients

> > major symptoms are not alleviated until after 12 weeks. Severe reactions

> > or prior damage to the gastrointestinal track may require i.v.

> > administration of 100-150 mg/day (rapid i.v. administration must be

> > avoided) for 2-3 weeks, then the remainder of the course should be oral

> > (to avoid thrombophlebitis complications which can occur with prolonged

> > i.v. therapy). Some react to the starch filler in the capsules and must

> > use Doryx, a granular form of pure doxycycline. Virtually all patients

> > relapse (show the same major signs and symptoms) if they stop therapy

> > before 6 months. In a pilot study, ~85% relapsed after 12 weeks of

> > therapy, but after 5 and 6 cycles additional 6-week courses, only 27%

> > and 11%, respectively, still relapsed after therapy. Doxycycline has

> > been used successfully with other antibiotics in situations where either

> > antibiotic alone had minimal effects (ie., doxycycline with

> > ciprofloxacin or azithromycin).

> >

> > Doxycycline and minocycline are primarily bacteriostatic and effective

> > against the following organisms: gram-negative bacteria (N.

> > gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Shigella species, Yersinia pestis,

> > Brucella species, Vibrio cholera); gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus

> > pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes); mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma pneumoniae,

> > Mycoplasma fermentans [incognitis], Mycoplasma penetrans); others

> > (Bacillus anthracis [anthrax], Clostridium species, Chlamydia species,

> > Actinomyces species, Entamoeba species, Treponema pallidum [syphilis],

> > Plasmodium falciparum [malaria] and Borelia species).

> >

> > Precautions: Avoid direct sunlight and drink fluids liberally,

> > especially with oral capsules. Doxycycline or minocycline therapy may

> > result in overgrowth of fungi or yeast and nonsensitive microorganisms

> > (see Considerations, p.1). Patients on anticoagulants may require lower

> > anticoagulant doses. Use during pregnancy or in children under 8 years

> > are not recommended, in the latter case due to tooth discoloration, but

> > lower doses of doxycycline have proven to be very effective in children

> > with GWI/CFS (weight 100 lbs or less, 1-2 mg/lb divided into two doses;

> > weight over 100 lbs use adult dose). Patients with impaired kidney

> > function should not take doxycycline, and the following drugs should not

> > be taken with doxycycline: methoxyflurane [Penthrane], carbamazepine

> > [Tegretol], digoxin or diuretics. Other drugs can effect uptake or

> > immune systems (see above). For complicating bacterial infections, 2

> > weeks Augmentin (3X 500 mg/day) can be taken inbetween courses of

> > antibiotics. For fungal and yeast complications, please see the

> > instructions under Other Considerations.

> >

> > Adverse Reactions: In a few patients doxycycline causes gastrointestinal

> > irration, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, rashes, mouth dryness,

> > hoarseness and in rare cases hypersensitivity reactions, hemolytic

> > anemia, skin hypersensitivity and reduced white blood cell counts. In

> > general, doxycycline is considered a safe drug, in that there are few

> > adverse reactions reported in the literature.

> >

> > Ciprofloxacin (aka Cipro, Cifox, Cifran, Ciloxan, Ciplox)

> >

> > Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic

> > with good absorption characteristics. This drug acts on bacterial DNA

> > gyrase to inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis. Ciprofloxacin is secreted

> > rapidly in the urine and has a half-life in the blood of ~4 hrs. Food

> > delays the absorption (by ~2 hrs) but doesn't effect total absorption;

> > antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts as well as

> > various drugs reduce absorption and should not be taken at the same time

> > of day.

> >

> > For GWI/CFS/FMS use, the recommended dose is 1,500 mg/day (oral, 3X 500

> > mg capsules, 2 in morning) for 6 months, then 6 week cycles of therapy.

> > Ciprofloxacin may or may not be taken with meals. Initially,

> > ciprofloxacin may exacerbate some signs/symptoms (Herxheimer reactions

> > or adverse antibiotic responses) but these are usually gone within 2+

> > weeks or so. Patients report that doses of 1000 mg/day or lower are not

> > effective in alleviating symptoms. Patients usually start feeling

> > better with alleviation of major signs/symptoms within 4-6 weeks, but in

> > some patients signs/symptoms are not reduced until after 6 weeks.

> > Ciprofloxacin has been used in patients in which doxycycline cannot be

> > tolerated or in some patients that no longer respond to doxycycline. In

> > a few cases ciprofloxacin has been used simultaneously with

> > doxycycline. Herxheimer reactions, if present, usually pass within days

> > to 2+ weeks; prior damage to the gastrointestinal system may require

> > i.v. 400-500 mg X2/day (over one hour per each infusion, rapid i.v.

> > administration is to be avoided) for 2-4 weeks, then the remainder on

> > oral antibiotic (oral doses). Virtually all patients relapse (with

> > major signs/symptoms) if drug is stopped at a 6-12 week course of

> > therapy. Additional antibiotic courses result in milder relapses after

> > drug is discontinued. Subsequent cycles of antibiotics may require the

> > use of doxycycline or other antibiotics. Sparfloxacin, a floxacin with

> > better tissue penetration, can be substituted (oral dose, 400 mg/day).

> >

> > Ciprofloxacin is effective against the following organisms:

> > gram-negative bacteria (Shigella species, Citrobacter diversus,

> > Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Klebisella pneumoniae,

> > Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobacter species, Proteus vulgaris,

> > Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia pestis, Vibrio cholera), Moraxella

> > catarrhalis; gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae,

> > Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus,

> > Staphylococcus saprophytieus); mycoplasmas, moderately active

> > (Mycoplasma species); others (Clostridium species, Chlamydia species,

> > Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

> >

> > Precautions: Direct sunlight is to be avoided, especially with

> > sparfloxacin, and patients should not take floxacin and theophylline

> > concurrently. Ciprofloxacin therapy may result in drug crystals in the

> > urine in rare cases, and patients should be well hydrated to prevent

> > concentration of urine. Pregnant women and children should not use this

> > drug due to reduction in bone and cartilage development.

> >

> > Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses resulted in

> > discontinuing drug in ~3.5% of patients, and such reactions included

> > nausea (5%), diarrhea (2%), vomiting (2%) abdominal pain (1.7%),

> > headache (1.2%) and rash (1.1%). In rare cases cirprofloxacin may cause

> > cardiovascular problems (<1%) and central nervous system (dizziness,

> > insomnia, tremor, confusion, convulsions and other reactions (<1%).

> > Small numbers of patients have experienced hypersensitivity

> > (anaphylactic) reactions which have required immediate emergency

> > treatment. Other drugs may effect absorption and immune systems.

> >

> > Azithromycin (aka Zithromax)

> >

> > Azithromycin is a azalide (macrolide) antibiotic with good absorption

> > and a serum half-life of ~68 hrs. This class of drug acts by binding to

> > the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms where it interferes

> > with protein synthesis. Food decreases absorption rate, but absorption

> > is unaffected by antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts;

> > other drugs may affect absorption (see above).

> >

> > For GWI/CFS/FMS use, the recommended dose is 500 mg/day (oral, 2X 250 mg

> > capsules taken at once) for each 6-week cycle of therapy. Azithromycin

> > should not be taken with meals (1 hour before or 1hour after).

> > Initially, azithromycin may exacerbate some symptoms but these are

> > usually gone within 2+ weeks. Patients usually start feeling better

> > with alleviation of most major signs/symptoms within weeks, but in some

> > patients major symptoms are not alleviated within months. Azithromycin

> > has been used in patients in which doxycycline cannot be tolerated or in

> > patients that no longer respond to doxycycline. Herxheimer reactions

> > are rare and usually passes within a few days to weeks. Virtually all

> > patients relapse (show the same major signs/symptoms) after 12 weeks

> > then terminating therapy. Additional cycles of antibiotic result in

> > milder relapses after drug is discontinued. Azithromycin has been shown

> > to be safe for pediatric use (10 mg/kg/day is recommended for children

> > under 14, but see below).

> >

> > Azithromycin is effective against the following organisms:

> > gram-negative bacteria (Bordetella pertussis, Shigella species,

> > Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia species, Yersinia pestis, Brucella

> > species, Vibrio cholera); gram-positive bacteria (Streptococci group C,

> > F, G); mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma species); others (Clostridium species,

> > Treponema pallidum [syphilis], and Borelia sp).

> >

> > Precautions: Azithromycin is principally absorbed by the liver, and

> > caution should be exercised with patients with impaired liver function.

> > Antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts should not be

> > taken at the same time of day with azithromycin. Other drugs can also

> > interfere. Macrolides and terfenadine (Seldane) or astemizole (Hismaral)

> > may dangeriously evelate plasma antihistamine and cause arrhythmias and

> > increase serum theophyline levels in some patients, particularly those

> > receiving methylated xanthine causing nausea, vomiting, seizures.

> > Plasma levels of carbamazepine (Tegretol) can also be elevated, leading

> > to carbamazepine toxicity and nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and ataxia.

> >

> > Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses were mild to moderate in

> > clinical trials and included diarrhea (5%), nausea (3%), abdominal pain

> > (3%). In rare cases (<1%) azithromycin may cause cardiovascular

> > problems (palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain) and central nervous

> > system (dizziness, headache, vertigo), allergic (rash, photosensitivity,

> > angioderma), fatigue and other reactions (<1%). In pediatric patients

> > >80% of the adverse reponses were gastrointestinal. In children, doses

above the suggested 10 mg/kg/day have been shown to produce hearing loss in

some patients.

> >

> > Clarithromycin (aka Biaxin)

> >

> > Clarithromycin is a broad spectrum macrolide antibiotic with good

> > absorption and serum half-life. This drug acts by binding to the 50S

> > ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and interfering with protein

> > synthesis. The drug is mostly bacterostatic but high concentrations can

> > be bactericidal. Food decreases absorption rate, but absorption is

> > unaffected by antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts.

> > Some drugs may interfere with absorption or depress immune systems (see

> > above).

> >

> > The recommended dose is 500-750 mg/day (oral, 2-3X 250 mg capsules, 2

> > taken in morning) for 6 months of therapy, then 6-week cycles.

> > Clarithromycin should not be taken with meals (1 hr before or 1 hr

> > after). Initially, clarithromycin may exacerbate some symptoms due to

> > Herxheimer reactions and bacterial death but these are usually gone

> > within weeks. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of

> > most major signs and symptoms within 1-2 weeks, but in some patients

> > major symptoms are not alleviated until after 12 weeks or so.

> > Clarithromycin has been used in patients that do not respond or cannot

> > tolerate doxycycline. Herxheimer reactions usually pass within days to

> > weeks. Virtually all patients relapse (show the same major

> > signs/symptoms) when therapy stopped within 12 weeks. Additional

> > cycles of antibiotic result in milder relapses after drug is

> > discontinued. For children, the recommended dose is 15 mg/kg/day X2; at

> > this dose some children have gastrointestinal problems.

> >

> > Clarithromycin is effective against the following organisms:

> > gram-negative bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. menigitidis, Moraxella

> > catarrhalis, Campylobacter jejuni, Eikenella corrodens, Haemophilus

> > ducreyi, Bordetella pertussis, Shigella species, Salmonella species,

> > Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia species, Yersinia pestis, Brucella

> > species, Vibrio cholera, Aeromonos species, E. coli, gram-positive

> > bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumeniae, anerobic Streptococci,

> > Enterococcus faccalis, Staphlococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus

> > anthracis, Corynebacterium diptheriae, C. minutissimum, Listeria

> > monocytogenes, Actinomyces israelii); mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma species,

> > M. pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum); others (Clostridium species,

> > Treponema pallidum [syphilis], Legionella pneumophilia, L. micdadei,

> > Mycobacterium avium, M. chelonae, M. chelonae absessus, M. fortuitim,

> > Rickettsia species and Borrelia species). Yeasts, fungi and viruses are

> > resistant.

> >

> > Precautions: Clarithromycin is principally absorbed by the liver, and

> > caution should be exercised with patients with impaired liver function.

> > Antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts should not be

> > taken at the same of day as azithromycin. Other drugs may also

> > interfere (see above). Macrolides and terfenadine (Seldane) or

> > astemizole (Hismaral) may dangerously elevate plasma antihistamine and

> > cause arrhythmias and increase serum theophyline levels in some

> > patients, particularly those receiving methylated xanthine causing

> > nausea, vomiting, seizures. Plasma levels of carbamazepine (Tegretol)

> > can also be elevated, leading to carbamazepine toxicity and nausea,

> > vomiting, drowsiness and ataxia. Macrolides like clarithromycin should

> > not be used with cyclosporin (Sandimmune).

> >

> > Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses were mild to moderate in

> > clinical trials and included diarrhea , nausea, and abdominal pain. In

> > rare cases (<1%) azithromycin may cause cardiovascular problems

> > (palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain) and central nervous system

> > (dizziness, headache, vertigo), allergic (rash, photosensitivity,

> > angioderma) and fatigue.

> >

> > Clindamycin (aka Cleocin, Dalacin, Lacin)

> >

> > Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic made from lincomycin and is

> > effective against severe anaerobic infections. It is primarily

> > bacteriostatic against a wide range of Gram-positive and anaerobic

> > pathogens, including some protozoa. It has good absorption and tissue

> > penetration; its half-life is ~3 hrs in adults and ~2 in children.

> > Since clindamycin use can result in severe colitis even weeks after

> > cessation of therapy, it should not be used as primary therapy. Food

> > does not adversely affect absorption rate, but absorption is affected by

> > antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts. Some drugs may

> > interfere with absorption or depress immune systems (see above).

> >

> > The recommended dose is 600-1200 mg/day (oral, 4-8X 150 mg capsules, in

> > three divided doses) for 6-week cycles of therapy. Herxheimer reactions

> > may exacerbate signs/symptoms but these are usually gone within

> > days-weeks. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of

> > most major signs and symptoms within days to weeks, but in some patients

> > major symptoms are not alleviated until after several weeks or so. For

> > children, the recommended dose is 8-16 mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 doses.

> >

> > Precautions: Clindamycin should not be used in patients with

> > nonbacterial (viral, fungal) infections. Its use is associated in some

> > patients with colitis and severe, persistent diarrhea and abdominal

> > cramps, and when this occurs the drug should be discontinued. It must

> > not be used with opiates or diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil).

> > Patients with hepatic or renal problems require dosage adjustment.

> > Antidiarrheal drugs that reduce peristalsis, such as dipenoxylate,

> > loperamide or opioids, should be avoided. If prolonged therapy is used,

> > periodic liver and kidney function tests and blood counts should be

> > performed. It should not be used by pregnant women. Prolonged use can

> > result in overgrowth of yeasts and other nonsusceptible microorganisms.

> > Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind clindamycin and should not be

> > administered simultaneously.

> >

> > Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses were mainly diarrhea in

> > 2-20% of cases, some severe and dangerous (colitis). Psuedomembranous

> > colitis may develop during or several weeks after therapy. This can be

> > serious if ignored. Other gastrointestinal effects of the drug have

> > been reported (nausea, vomiting, esophagitis, abdominal pain or cramps),

> > and hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes occur in up to 10%

> > of patients. Mild cases of colitis should be managed promptly with

> > fluid, electrolyte and protein supplementation as indicated. Other

> > effects include transient leucopenia, polyarthritis and abnormal liver

> > function (jaundice and hepatic damage rarely occur). Clindamycin should

> > not be used with erythromycin. Clindamycin has been shown to have

> > neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other

> > neuromuscular drugs. It should only be used with caution in patients

> receiving such drugs.

>

>

[Guest guest]

a - Thank you for posting the article! I started taking

doxycycline last week and I am going to share the article with my

nurse practitioner. Sharon

rheumatic Alternative antibiotics Garth Nicolson's protocol