Which Antibiotics Work Best For Which Infection
Today, I want to talk about antibiotics. I’ll start with a HUGE disclaimer. I’m not a doctor or a nurse; I am just a mom and a grandma who wants to know things. LOTS of things. I read, research, email, and visit with doctors to get answers. Real answers. One of my biggest fears is what we will do as a family, city, community, or even a country if we can’t get antibiotics for some reason. Please remember that antibiotics are for bacterial infections; they don’t work for an illness caused by viruses like the flu.
Just because we have those prescription refills available doesn’t mean we can get the medications we need if there’s a natural disaster or community emergency. If we have an unforeseen disaster in the area where we live, the roads are torn up, and we can’t drive our cars, then what? We are so used to just hopping in our cars and driving anywhere we want.
“Lights Out”
I’ve talked about an EMP where most cars will not work if we have a significant attack by shutting down our power grid and so much more. Our country is not ready to survive a hit to the power grid. Please read “Lights Out” by Ted Koppel, and you’ll understand that there is no fiction in that book. We will have power outages, you get the picture.
Do I have an old Hummer parked in my backyard? No. Have I thought about it? Yes! I understand some older cars without electronics will work if and when we have a grid down, and I think we will at some point. There is no doubt in my mind. If there is a grid down, even if we have fuel, most of our vehicles won’t work because the inboard computers are toast, and the cars won’t even start.
I’m not trying to be gloomy today, but we need to have a plan, yes, a plan. We might get a message on our phones or television, or we might not hear anything about the chaos in our community. Mark and I had flash floods from rainstorms on our street a few years ago. It’s terrifying when you have zero control over the roads turning into rivers due to the heavier-than-usual rain.
Then we received an emergency alert message on our television. That beep, beep, beep sound tells us the emergency is in our area. Then, our cell phones and landline phones started beeping with the alert. I’m grateful for the message alerts.
Have Your Car Ready To Evacuate
Keep your gas tank filled 3/4 to full as often as possible.
Store water and food.
Have some flashlights/lanterns by your beds.
My Prepper Doctor
Here are just a few items I learned from an awesome friend who is also a great doctor. He took the time to talk to me about antibiotics. I wanted to know which antibiotic we would need if we were sick and unable to meet with a doctor. He gave me some ideas; this is not my first time sharing the entire list today. You need to know which antibiotics you are allergic to and understand what you and your family can or cannot use if you’ve had an allergic reaction at any time.
One of the challenges we face is that antibiotic use has become so commonplace, and many people have used them so often they have developed antibiotic resistance. We need to have antibiotics available, mainly when fighting more severe infections. As a culture, we’ve taken antibiotics for granted and, in many cases, overused them to the point that there are antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Just like we’ve seen new variants of viruses and viral infections in the past few years, we have seen variations in bacteria, and some are even resistant to the old stand-by penicillin.
Antibiotics – the Most Common Types of Antibiotics
Amoxicillin:
Amoxicillin is good for strep throat and other sore throats, dental infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, and sometimes bladder infections and other urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Cephalexin (Keflex):
Skin infections and related rashes, staph infections, sinus infections, bladder infections, bronchitis, Sty (eye) infection, and other chronic health conditions.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro):
Bladder infections and an Anthrax episode.
Please note, yes, I have seen the Facebook article about the woman who used Cipro and had complications—an unfortunate story. I don’t know all the details, but it is a good antibiotic for some people. It works great for me. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using these antibiotics. Like other medications we may be prescribed from time to time, there can be side effects to antibiotics.
Some common side effects and symptoms that MAY be from the use of any of these listed antibiotics are:
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, bloating
- Soft stools, short-term diarrhea
- Fungal infections like yeast/vaginal infections or oral thrush
- Mild skin rash, hives, or swelling of the lips or tongue
- Photosensitivity
- Drug interactions
- In rare cases, some antibiotics can cause heart issues like irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure
Z-Pack (Azithromycin):
Strep throat, Sinus infections, Bronchitis, and Tonsilitis.
Levofloxacin (Levaquin):
Pneumonia, ultimate Diverticulitis medicine, and worst-case sinus infection.
Shelf-Life of Antibiotics
The doctor informed me that most antibiotics last five to ten years after expiration. I keep the prescribed antibiotics left over from sickness and try to build up a reserve for future use.
That way, if I get sick and can’t visit the doctor or clinic to get a new prescription, I at least have prescribed meds in the house. The doctor told me about his experience during the Haiti earthquake disaster. He and other doctors went on a humanitarian mission, hoping they could make a difference.
They could take some antibiotics with them and were grateful they did since the hospitals and clinics ran out almost overnight. He realized that many victims would have lost limbs if not for the antibiotics they took along and prescribed for patients.
Think about what you would do if someone in your family is cut badly and gets a nasty infection. You would have some antibiotics to tide you over until additional supplies become available. These are just some things to think about. What alternative medicines are we prepared to use?
Be aware that antibiotics come in many forms. They are prescribed topical antibiotics like ointments or sprays, as well as liquids, capsules, and tablets.
Final Word
You may be wondering how I get extra prescriptions. I ask my doctor for them. Running them through my insurance often costs more, so I pay cash, and in some cases, they are a fraction of the cost if I had run them through the Big Pharma Game.
Painkillers aren’t part of my medication plan; let me make that clear. I finish ALL prescriptions I’m prescribed when and if I need them. I also ask for a 90-day supply when possible. Update: my sweet prepper doctor now has Dementia and is no longer able to work as a doctor.
I have knee replacements and can’t get any infection, or I will get severely sick if it goes too far. Therefore, I can ask for some antibiotics. I also need them when I go to the dentist twice a year. My Orthopedic doctor requires me to use them for the rest of my life if I have any dental work, including cleaning my teeth. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Antibiotics on a Table Depositphotos_25496823_S By Motorolka,
Thanks for this very valuable information.
If you are taking antibiotics conscientiously and following doctor’s orders, you will not have antibiotics “left over.” Doctor’s orders are to take the full prescription of antibiotics.
I do realize we should finish the full prescription when prescribed. Sometimes the doctor changes the prescription midway through the course because it is not working. Therefore you might have a few leftover. Today I was really was trying to let people know that some antibiotics can be used after the expiration date. Thanks so much for commenting. Linda
It is important to note that tetracycline becomes toxic after its expiration date. There is buzz that newer formulations don’t have this issue, but why take the chance? While I realize you are not recommending tetracycline in particular, I think that it must be mentioned in discussions about antibiotic use after expiration dates. Luckily the three listed above should take care of most infections without having to resort to tetracycline use.
Noelle, thanks for commenting on the tetracycline. I love getting feedback like this to pass onto our readers. Thanks so much! Linda
I also think that is why you need to have Silver Sol in liquid and in gel form. A nasal sprayer to mix it with some water, an ear dropper to drop it into an ear. The thing with Silver Sol you need at least six minutes of contact time, so for a sore throat unless you can find some Silver Sol Lozenges (rare to find them), you’d have to gargle it for six minutes. For an ear infection you might want to warm the dropper a bit pouring a bit of warm water over the dropper for a few minutes. You’d probably have to use it 3 or 4 times a day for as long probably as you would an antibiotic. It would be valuable if there are virus’ going around, because a lot of antibiotics work on bacterial infections, but not viral ones. That’s my input.
Hi Lauralee, I LOVE Silver Sol. I buy ASAP 10 in the liquid and the gel. I buy it by the case! I am so paranoid because of what virus or bacteria might go around me and I have zero health insurance!!!! I have noe use it for an ear infection. Good information girlfriend! Linda
Just remember one thing. No antibiotic will cure any virus. So don’t use an antibiotic if it is a viral infection. antibiotics are only good for a bacterial infection. Also remember if you use them every time you get sick, you could build up a resistance to the antibiotic and they will not help you at all. So please use caution when taken them. Make sure of what you have and only use them if you really need them. If you just have a cold, don’t use antibiotics for that. A cold is a virus. Keep your hands washed so not to spread the cold germs to others. If it is a sinus infection, don’t take the antibiotics unless you are blowing yellow and green from nose or coughing it up. That is when you need an antibiotic. That would be bacterial. Just remember to always use caution so you don’t build up a resistance to them.
Hi Mary, I take for granted people will realize they only work for bacterial infections. Thanks for the reminder, I just added that statement to the post for those who do not know this. I worry about the build-up of antibiotics in our meat and dairy. I try to buy only grass fed but the options are that great where I live. Great comment! Linda
Hello Linda, that is so true about our meat. We always try to find meat that is grass fed and also organic when we can. We look for where it says no antibiotic added to our products. They are hard to find so when we do we stock up and I can a lot of the meat as well as freeze it. That way I have plenty for those times that it is hard to get.
Use antibiotics the LEAST possible. They will cause DISBIOSIS. When using antibiotics, take PROBIOTICS, like Yogurt or Kefir and Prebiotics, like Asparragus or artichokes. Yogurt and Kefir PLAIN, no sugar, no fruits.
Hi, Jose, thanks for stopping by, we all learn from each other. Linda
Thank you Linda.
Jose, you are so welcome. Linda
Thanks again.
Sorry, I forgot one important word about Yogurt and Kefir:
They should be ORGANIC.
Hi Jose, you are spot on with the Organic! I totally agree. Great reminder, Linda
Very kind of you. Thank you, Linda.
Hi, I’ve heard of the anti-biotic benefits of oregano oil. I was just wondering if there is any benefits of oregano oil, and for what uses it might be helpful with.
-EE
Hi Eddie, I believe oregano has some natural antibiotic benefits. If I write anything about this the FDA could shut down my website. It has happened to blogger friends of mine. I highly recommend getting a good essential oil book. One that is very reasonable such as this one. https://amzn.to/2rd7bZV Oregano is a bit strong and therefore needs a carrier. A carrier dilutes the strength of the oil. I like olive oil and coconut oil. Please be cautious and make sure it is safe for you. I use essential oils daily, I rarely go to the doctor. Linda
Jase is one solution to getting antibiotics. I like it because there is an actual prescription and you can travel with it. Keeps overzealous TSAs and narc agents calm.
Fish Mox Flex is another though they are only for “animals”. I do seem to remember just a few years ago folks scrambling to get this animal medicine for this virus and not worrying so much about such things.
It’s a hard thing to watch a child or loved one die slowly.
Hi Matt, oh thanks for the reminder on that company! I’ve heard really good things about Jase Medical! It’s a great bag to have in your camper or take it on an airplane if you’re flying. Or just to have in you medical supplies. Good one, Linda
Matt,
Allfamilypharma.com is another one that works like Jase. I have not used either yet, but I have heard from others that allfamilypharma is a little easier to use and slightly lower in cost. If someone is in dire need, I think either one would be good.
That’s good to know. Appreciate it
Hi Harry, thank for the other tip on a different company, I love it! Linda
Another place to get cost effective medications is costplusdrugs(.)com
The only thing that concerns me about the above is that I do not know precisely what each medication looks like. For example, I was given a prescription for a medication and knew what it was supposed to look like. Then, my next refill looked completely different! The refill was from a different manufacturer.
Another note: I have a nephew who is a medical doctor. He told one of his cousins to have a prescription filled in Canada – the difference in cost: USA about $79/month vs Canada about $18/month. I don’t know if she actually filled the Rx in Canada but it might be worth looking into.
HI Leanne, oh my gosh, I have had the same thing happen to me on my one prescription, it looked different and like you said it was made by a different manufacturer. So I Googled to see it it was okay, it was from Costco so I wasn’t worried but I still wanted to check. Our prescriptions are so overpriced here in the US, people are going to other countries to get them cheaper. It’s really sad we have to resort to doing that. Linda
Yeah a lot of folks head north or south for scripts
HI Matt, my daughter has a friend who lives in Mexico and gets her a medication she has to have. North or South is right. Linda
As you know, we are veterans of off the grid and being in places where it’s beyond what people think of as isolation.
So. I have been stockpiling meds for years. Yes, even some Rx pain killers that we didn’t need. OTC- all of it. I have both a Jase case and one from TWC. The Wellness company. Neither are cheap, but what would you pay should you need and not have?
I am copying your list of antibiotics and their uses to put with my meds. Thank you for that.
My research shows that fish antibiotics are, well, antibiotics. Dosage is clearly printed. They can be bought without an Rx, though one of those phone “rules to laws” government organizations wants them only available via a veterinarian’s Rx. Good luck with asking for antibiotics for your goldfish! Aquarium and pet stores sell them. My guy says he thinks about 90% of his sales go for people. He doesn’t ask.
Just as the horse ivermectin works just fine, but tastes lousy. FLCCC alliance has the dosages. Personally, I get mine through India. Again go to the Alliance to find places. It’s legal.
I use Good Rx. It generally beats my Rx plan. I don’t take enough drugs to meet my deductible. Even so, it’s worth checking because they often beat your plan. There’s another company that’s good, too. I forget their name. My pharmacist automatically checks to see what’s least expensive for me. Good Rx is most every time.
In our jurisdiction, Tamiflu Rx can be had via a pharmacist. I had a doctor and the pharmacist who would write prescriptions for me for prophylactic drugs when we were going to the Bahamas Out Islands or the wilds of Northern Canada.
There are Canadian companies who ship to the US. Governor Desantis, Florida…well as I understand it when our State needs meds, they can now get them from Canada if it is less expensive. If you live near the border, lots of things that require an Rx here are OTC in Canada (and the Bahamas). Ivermectin is widely available OTC in most countries. Mexico is a good place to go, if you are so inclined or happen to be there.
For Leanne- there are publications that show you all the varieties of each drug. NOW- and this is a big one: counterfeit drugs are rampant. Yes, even at pharmacies.
When I was taking an anti cancer drug and getting it from the mail order pharmacy, I KNOW that one or 2 of my 90 day supplies was counterfeit. I had no side effects.
So, there’s no guarantees…but these are some ideas.
Hi CAddison, great information as always, my friend. Wow, counterfeit mail order drugs is good to be aware of, thank you! Yikes! I try to pay cash whenever I can on prescriptions unless their free through Medicare. It’s getting harder and harder to get the “Fish” antibiotics without your Vets script. They have really gone up in price as well. That is iF you can get them. Some regulations have changed. Linda
We still have zero problems buying fish biotics from a Vet. supply located in CA without a prescription, one that I mentioned in earlier posts. I also use many Young Living Essential Oils for infections and viruses. R.C. is my go-to oil for the entire winter and sometimes for allergies, as well. Melrose is amazing for cuts, as it disinfects via Tea Tree Oil and the Rosemary in it makes cells multiply fast to heal wounds.
Don’t forget that for viruses you can always take Homeopathic Oscillococcinum from Boiron, which is sold on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4cYPG42
And you can order smaller nos. of vials if you prefer, to save extra money.
There are myriads of other Homeopathics that can be used for viruses, as well, but you will need to do your homework to find out about those. Nux Vomica is one. We always keep at least 5-6 of the 30-dose Oscillococcinum boxes on hand, so everyone in the family and some friends who ask for it, can have access without any issues. More recently, I have learned that the little vial with a large no. of pilluals in it can be halved and you will still find good results with only 1/2 the normal dose!! That is a real cost-saver! Recently, I caught a virus of some sort that made my guts just hurt, ache, cramp and burn. I tried everything I could think of and nothing worked until I just took a couple of doses of Bioplasma by Boron. Since Bioplasma is a combination of cell salts, I figured it would work “broadly” across the board, and BOY did it EVER! Within 20 mins. I went from 2+ days of “OH, MY GOODNESS! HELP!!” TO “OH, MY GOODNESS, WHAT A RELIEF! Well, silly me. I could have used Young Living’s Di=gize product,which works very well, but I cannot stand the smell or taste of that one!
There are lots of prescriptions that can be purchased abroad from reputable overseas manufacturers. That is how we buy our Iver. No issues, and worked like a charm when we got Covid Influenza…as that was basically what it was. You can always try AllDayChemist.com for their prescriptions for viruses, and other issues. They are very professional but not the cheapest I’ve ever seen.
Best of luck to all of you and thanks much for the great suggestions to look into. Don’t forget Elderberry, Zinc, and Quercetin with Vit. C is a real winner with viruses. I love this product! https://amzn.to/3zGVzEX
They have other amazing-looking products I want to try out in the future, too. And don’t forget you can easily GROW some elderberry bushes and make your own juice for the winter. My Adult Children are very big fans!!
Best to you all,
Joyce E. Stotts
Certified Natural Health Professional sine 2006
Hi Joyce, great tips as always. I need to order some of the products you mentioned. I have never tried growing elderberry bushes! Linda