Health Library Antibiotics for Cystic FibrosisFrom Healthwise

Antibiotics kill bacteria that cause infection. After your doctor has determined what type of bacteria is present, he or she will prescribe the right kind of antibiotic. Antibiotics can be taken in pill or liquid form or in an aerosol that is inhaled deep into the lungs, or can be given intravenously (IV).

Antibiotics can stop or prevent lung infections in people who have cystic fibrosis. When they are given at the first sign of a lung infection, they may prevent complications.

Antibiotics improve how well the lungs work and help prevent lung problems from getting worse.

Antibiotics can be taken as pills or as a liquid, given through an IV, or inhaled. Inhaled antibiotics may have fewer side effects because the doses can be smaller. But some inhaled antibiotics can irritate the lungs and cause coughing.

Common side effects of antibiotics include:

• Nausea or throwing up.
• Mild diarrhea.
• Another infection, such as a fungal infection.

Less common and more serious side effects of antibiotics include:

• Skin rashes, hives, or itching.
• Kidney problems.
• Developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Severe allergic reaction.

Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics. If you know you are allergic to an antibiotic, tell your doctor. If you have an allergic reaction after taking an antibiotic, call your doctor.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

For a serious infection, two different antibiotics may need to be taken at the same time.

Inhaled antibiotics such as tobramycin are especially good for improving the health of the lungs. The downside is that some people think tobramycin tastes and smells bad.

Oral antibiotics cannot always fight the most common bacteria found in lung infections in people who have cystic fibrosis.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: June 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
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