The Top Six Antibiotics for Treating Endocarditis and/or Myocarditis

Over the course of the last few months, my doctor has been trying to find the right combination of antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers to help with my diagnosed conditions of endocarditis and myocarditis. Some of the results have been disappointing while others have been difficult to handle.

The purpose of this article is to share that information with you in case one or more of these drugs might be prescribed for you in the future; working on the theory that it is always best to know what you are getting into.

Listed below are the top six antibiotics choices used to treat either endocarditis, myocarditis or both. Listed with them are the drug's contraindications and possible side effects. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Clindamycin should not be taken by those with kidney or liver disease, an intestinal disorder, Crohn's disease, or asthma. The drug should also not be taken with narcotics or anti-diarrhea medications.

Side effects of clindamycin include, by are not limited to: nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, painful joints, skin rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Erythromycin should not be taken by those with liver disease or those taking the drugs terfenadine, astermizole, cisapride, or primozide. It can interact with these drugs to cause a life-threatening condition.

Side effects of erythromycin include, but are not limited to: extreme sensitivity to the sun, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and vertigo.

Keflex should not be taken by anyone suffering from kidney or liver disease nor by women who are pregnant or who are nursing. It is also not recommended for use by young children or by the elderly.

Side effects of keflex include, but are not limited to: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion, hallucination, joint pain, fever, seizure or hemorrhage.