Topical Antibiotics

Some topical antibiotics are available without a prescription and are sold in many forms, including creams, ointments, powders, and sprays. Some widely used topical antibiotics are bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B.

Among the products that contain one or more of these ingredients are Bactroban (a prescription item), Neosporin, Polysporin, and Triple Antibiotic, Ointment or Cream.

Antibiotic mouthwash can be prepared by the patient by dissolving the contents of 250 mg tetracycline capsule in 10 ml of water to give a 2% solution. It may be more effective to add glycerol to the solution as a demulcent, this must be done by pharmacist.

The value of topical antibiotics overweighs such risks in some cases. Tetracycline is a useful topical antibiotics. As at 2% solution it’s often effective in reducing secondary infection (and thus the discomfort) in cases of aphtous stomaitis, primary herpetic stomaitis, and all oral ulcerative conditions.

Use of topical antibiotics is also seen to be helpful in acute chronic gingivitis treatment.

There are inherent disadvantages associated with the use of topical antibiotics because of the possibilities of selection for resistant strains and inducing hypersensitivity reaction at the patient.

Topical antibiotics help prevent infections caused by bacteria that get into minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Treating minor wounds with antibiotics allows quicker healing. They are always used to prevent secondary infection (ulcers).

The use of topical antibiotics cannot normally be practiced as long- term treatment, it is better to be reserved for acute episodes. Otherwise, there will be the risk of overgrowth of resistant organisms, although a candidal infection may occur. However, in some rare cases a prolonged topical antibiotic treatment is justified (Patients with severe and persistent oral lesions), in that case a tetracycline with triamcinolone combination is preferred.

Ex.11. Translate the following words and word-combinations into English:

Грибки; вторгатися; гальмувати; виворотка; дріжджі; зростання мікроорганізмів; антибіотики для місцевого застосування; посилатися; протигрибковий; виникати; надрив; позбавляти; впливати; бактерицидний; тимчасовий; забезпечувати; пастилка; пошкодження.