Pneumonia is a potentially serious infectious lung disease that can become life-threatening in severe cases. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, unlike viral pneumonia. Individuals are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about the appropriate treatment plan for pneumonia.
Fast Facts About Antibiotics
- Antibiotics are medications that kill certain kinds of germs called bacteria and stop their growth.
- Antibiotics are only needed for treating or preventing certain infections caused by bacteria like whooping cough and strep throat.
- You do not need antibiotics for some common bacterial infections, including many sinus infections and some ear infections.
- Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses such as colds or flu. However, certain viruses, like COVID-10 and flu, can be treated with antiviral medication.
- An antibiotic will not make you feel better if you have a virus.
How Is Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia Treated?
Treatment for community-acquired pneumonia varies based on symptoms and the type of germ causing the pneumonia. Your healthcare provider will assess you to determine the appropriate care. Antibiotic treatment can only be prescribed for bacterial pneumonia. A healthcare provider may prescribe them if you have both bacterial pneumonia like pneumococcal pneumonia and a virus at the same time. The type of antibiotic provided can vary based on the germs known to be in your community, as well as other health conditions you are experiencing. Those with severe pneumonia may need to be hospitalized, while those with mild pneumonia symptoms will receive treatment that can be taken at home. Your healthcare provider may first start you on a certain antibiotic and then switch to another one based on what your diagnostic tests show for the kind of germ that is causing your infection.
In addition to antibiotics, it is important to rest, stay hydrated, avoid smoke and take care of any chronic medical condition like COPD or asthma.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are worsening or if you are concerned about your symptoms.
One way to help prevent getting pneumonia is by being up to date on your recommended vaccinations like pneumococcal, flu, COVID-19, Tdap and RSV.
Knowing When You Should Take Antibiotics
Say YES to antibiotics when needed for certain infections caused by bacteria.
Say NO to antibiotics for viruses, such as colds and flu, or runny noses.
Types of Antibiotics
There are different types of antibiotics which are categorized into classes. Within each class are individual medicines that your healthcare provided might prescribe like:
| Antibiotic Class | Common Oral Antibiotics You May Be Prescribed |
|---|---|
| Penicillins | Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin |
| Macrolides | Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Tetracyclines | Doxycycline, Omadacycline |
| Cephalosporins | Cefotaxime, Cefuroxime |
| Fluoroquinolones | Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin |
*This list is not all inclusive
Healthcare providers will prescribe antibiotics based on:
- Age
- Health history
- Type of infection
- Past reactions to antibiotics
- If an antibiotic will work against the bacteria you have
Proper Use of Antibiotics
It’s important for individuals, especially those who are at increased risk, to be aware of pneumonia treatment options and to follow treatment plans carefully until fully recovered.
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others or take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
- Do not save your antibiotics for a future illness.
- Make sure to properly dispose of any unused or expired antibiotics.
Page last updated: November 7, 2024
