Types of Medication for Pneumonia

Pneumonia refers to lung inflammation caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that can result in mild to life-threatening conditions. When the air sac in the lungs gets filled with pus, it can lead to the following symptoms:

• Cough with phlegm
• Pus
• Fever
• Chills
• Difficulty breathing

Pneumonia may cause severe complications in these populations:

• Infants
• Young children
• Adults older than 65 years

Some of the most common medications used for treating pneumonia include:

1. Antibiotics: They are the mainstay of pneumonia treatment. It may take time to identify the bacteria that cause pneumonia and choose the treatment accordingly. Your doctor may recommend different antibiotics if one does not work fine. Some examples include:
   • Delafloxacin
   • Cefepime
   • Cefuroxime
   • Azithromycin
   • Clindamycin
   • Aztreonam
   • Doxycycline
   • Omadacycline
   • Meropenem
   • Linezolid
   • Gentamicin
   • Amoxicillin
   • Vancomycin
2. Glucocorticoids: These are recommended to treat inflammation of the lungs due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Hydrocortisone is the drug used for treating pneumonia.
3. Vaccines: Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended as a routine preventive treatment in children younger than five years and adults who are 65 years or older. Some examples of vaccines include:
   • Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent 
   • Pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent

Antibiotics are the first choice of drugs for pneumonia. Some of the commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

• Azithromycin
• Amoxicillin and clavulanate
• Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
• Cefotaxime or ceftazidime

Common side effects of antibiotics include:

• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache
• Tendon or nerve damage

Common side effects of glucocorticoids include:

• Increases blood sugar levels
• Interrupts with calcium absorption
• Increases the risk of ulcers
• Delays wound healing
• Suppresses the immune system

Common side effects of a pneumococcal vaccine include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Fussiness (irritability)
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Chills
• Injection site reaction

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Always consult your physician before taking this medication as there may be chances of the drug harming the unborn baby.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics as there are high chances of interactions between the two.