Antibiotics for Klebsiella infections

Some strains resist several commonly used medicines, so an antibiotic that suits one Klebsiella infection may not suit another. Do not use leftover tablets or someone else's prescription.

Klebsiella bacteria can be found in different body sites. A laboratory result must be interpreted alongside symptoms, the type and quality of the sample, and the examination. Finding the organism does not by itself establish where an active infection is occurring.

When treatment is needed, a culture may show which antibiotics inhibit the collected strain. The clinician also considers kidney and liver function, allergies, pregnancy, other medicines, and whether tablets can provide adequate treatment.

Take the prescribed medicine at the stated dose and times, and follow the instructions about food. If you miss a dose, check the medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist rather than doubling the next dose.

Tell the prescriber about previous antibiotic reactions and all regular medicines. Contact the treating clinic if symptoms worsen, troublesome diarrhoea develops, or vomiting prevents doses from staying down. A clinician may need to reassess the diagnosis, sample results, or route of treatment.

Get urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, severe weakness, very little urine, or rapidly worsening illness. These signs can accompany a serious infection and should not wait for a routine appointment.

After taking an antibiotic, emergency symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; wheezing; or trouble breathing. Stop taking further doses until urgently assessed if a severe allergic reaction is suspected.

Ask which body site is infected, whether a culture confirmed the organism, what the susceptibility result shows, and when improvement should become noticeable. Also clarify what to do after a missed dose, which adverse effects require a call, and whether follow-up testing is planned.