Infections are common in the homeless. The following antibiotics are used to treat infection:
Medication |
Information |
| Penicillins
(LPV®, | These are basic penicillin antibiotics and are used mainly for lung and skin infections. They may cause diarrhoea. Overdose is usually harmless. Penicillin allergy is common. |
| Amoxycillin
(Amoxil®, Alphamox®, Cilamox®, | Amoxycillin is a penicillin derivative with a wider range of activity, with numerous brands available. Augmentin® is amoxycillin with a special additive that increases activity. |
| Ceclor®, Keflex® | These penicillin derivatives are for specific infections only. |
| Erythromycin
(Ees®, Ery-C®) Roxi-thromycin (Biaxin®, Rulide®) | These macrolide antibiotics are penicillin alternatives and have a wide range of uses. They may cause nausea. |
| Cotrimoxazole (Septrin®, Bactrim®) | These sulphur based antibiotics may cause a 'sulphur allergy', rash or nausea. |
| Tetracycline
(Tetrex®) Doxycycline (Vibramycin®,Doryx®) | Tetracycline and derivatives may predispose to indigestion and sunburn, and are not for the young. Take after food and swallow with water. |