Ranking of the best antibiotics for 2024

Medicines that kill bacteria are called antibiotics. They are able to selectively suppress the growth and reproduction of certain types of bacteria. A huge variety of infectious diseases causes a wide range of substances used in medicine.

Antibiotics are obtained by processing the waste products of other microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes). But there are also antibacterial agents that are completely synthetic, having no analogues of natural origin.

Mechanism of action and classification of antibiotics

To understand what it is and how an antibiotic works, you need to consider the structure of a bacterial cell.

Under the shell, consisting of polysaccharides, there is DNA coiled into a spiral - a nucleoid, a storage place for genetic information, ribosomes that provide protein synthesis and some other organelles.

Antimicrobial substances can perform their function by acting on a bacterial cell, striking exactly these three "targets".

By the object of exposure, antibiotics are distinguished that disrupt biochemical processes in:

• bacterial membrane;
• nucleoid;
• ribosomes.

Accordingly, some drugs violate the integrity of the cell wall, thereby leading the microbial cell to death, others change the normal course of the processes of synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, which means they suppress the growth of living cells and prevent the growth of bacteria.

In this regard, there is another classification:

• bactericidal - destroy microbes;
• bacteriostatic - prevent the spread of infection.

Important: Antibiotics do not work on viruses because the above structures are missing from the viral particles.

According to the purpose of exposure, they are distinguished:

• highly specific, which act only on certain types of bacteria (penicillin and some of its derivatives, anti-tuberculosis, antifungal drugs);
• a wide spectrum of action, which makes it possible to use them for many different infections.

The most widespread use in medicine is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, since:

• appointment is possible early, without waiting for the result of the analysis;
• the antimicrobial effect will be noticeable against any bacteria present in the body;
• the risk of concomitant infection and the development of superinfection (complications in which a weakened body is attacked by several infectious agents simultaneously) is significantly reduced.

What are antibiotics?

There is also a classification based on the chemical structure of the antimicrobial substance.

1. The broad group of beta-lactam antibiotics is divided into three subgroups:

• penicillins;
• cephalosporins;
• carbapenems.

The mechanism of action is based on damage to the cell wall of microorganisms.

2. Macrolides - inhibit protein synthesis. They are considered one of the most effective and safest drugs.
3. Tetracyclines - inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis. But they are not used as often due to the many negative side effects.
4. Aminoglycosides - disrupt the process of protein formation. They are considered to be quite effective.
5. Levomycetins - have bacteriostatic properties, disrupt the process of protein synthesis.
6. Glycopeptide antibiotics - disrupt the synthesis of the cell wall, blocking the production of substances that make up it.
7. Lincosamides - act on ribosomes, disrupting protein synthesis.
8. Fluoroquinolones - inhibit DNA synthesis, prevent the reproduction of pathogens.

There are other drugs, the structure of which does not fit this classification, and they are combined into a separate group of others.

According to doctors, the patient should not wonder how to choose an antibiotic. Antimicrobials should be taken exactly as directed. The doctor must prescribe not only the medicine itself, but also the dosage, frequency and duration of the course, as well as give advice on adherence to the regimen.

But still, in exceptional cases, you can do without a visit to the doctor. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to know the best manufacturers and their most popular and inexpensive drugs.

Foreign manufacturers

1. Astellas Pharma is a Japanese pharmaceutical company. Has offices in many European countries.
2. Sandoz is a German concern founded in 1886. One of the leaders in the production of amoxicillin.
3. GlaxoSmithKline is a company founded in the UK in 2000. Has offices all over the world. The most popular drug of this company is Augmentin.
4. KRKA is an international company, founded in 1954, headquartered in Slovenia. Plants are located in many countries of Europe and Russia as well.
5. Laboratoires Bouchara-Recordati. Joint venture between Italy and France. It has existed since 1926. It produces an original antibiotic under the trade name Isofra.
6. Pliva is a large company in Southern Europe. Created in 1921 in Croatia, since 2008 it has been part of the TEVA concern. Sumamed is a popular drug.

Domestic manufacturers

1. Dalkhimpharm is the oldest enterprise in Russia, one of the ten leading manufacturers of pharmaceuticals. Production is located in the city of Khabarovsk. It has existed since 1939.
2. PJSC Biosintez is a concern of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Russia. Ranks fifth in the world in terms of output. Founded in 1955 in Penza.
3. JSC FP "Obolenskoye" is the successor of the State Scientific Center for Applied Microbiology. Since 2013 it has been part of the Alvansa concern. All products comply with international standards.
4. Sintez is a pharmaceutical plant in the city of Kurgan. Known for the discovery of technology for producing ampicillin trihydrate.

Knowing the manufacturing companies that have proven themselves well, you can purchase their products at the pharmacy or order online. But in addition, you need to know what drugs are prescribed for various diseases.

Medical advice on the choice of remedies for various colds

There are certain rules and selection criteria depending on the affected organ or organ system.

• With the flu

Although the flu is a viral illness, doctors prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications from a wide variety of bacteria.Therefore, the list of drugs can be very extensive.

• With angina

Acute tonsillitis is caused by streptococci and staphylococci. Accordingly, it is necessary to choose a drug that is effective against these pathogens.

Based on the recommendations of doctors, it is better to treat angina with drugs: Sumamed, Unidox, Pantsef.

• With bronchitis

Untreated angina quickly turns into acute bronchitis. And for the treatment of this disease, Flemoxin, Unidox, Zinnat are recommended.

• With pneumonia

With such a formidable disease as pneumonia, it is necessary to visit a doctor. He can prescribe drugs such as Sumamed, Tsiprolet, Rovamycin.

• With sinusitis

If a person is diagnosed with sinusitis, then you should immediately start taking Zinnat, Pantsef.

• With cystitis

The undisputed leader in the treatment of urinary tract infections is Monural.

Which antibiotic is better to buy

But it must be remembered that self-administration and uncontrolled intake of medications can cause irreparable damage to health. In order to eliminate mistakes when choosing a remedy, it is necessary to carefully read the contraindications according to the instructions, study the functionality and how to take this or that form of medicine.

It should be borne in mind that the trade name may differ from the name of the antimicrobial agent included in the composition. Often the name is given by the presence of excipients. But you should not be guided by budget drugs when buying. Although the active ingredient is the same, additives used by well-known manufacturers often make a medicine safer and more effective.

Therefore, one should not always choose by price. When asked which company is better to buy an antibiotic, you need to study the characteristics of not only the active agent itself, but also excipients. Or focus on the rating, which takes into account not only popularity, but also customer reviews.

What else you need to pay attention to

In order not to fall for the trick of scammers and not buy a fake, which is often the case when ordering drugs in an online store, you need to carefully study the packaging material, find out how much a particular drug costs in a regular pharmacy, look at reviews and ask the opinion of other buyers.

Ranking of the best antibiotics for 2024

10. Unidox Astellas (Japan)

Average price in pharmacies: 250 - 300 rubles.

The active ingredient is doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracyclines group.

It is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms such as streptococci, staphylococci, neisseria, treponema, listeria, enterobacter, chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma and others. Does not affect Proteus, Pseudomonas, Enterococci.

For doxycycline, cross-resistance often occurs, while the resistant strain will be insensitive to the entire group of tetracyclines.

Unidox can be prescribed for infections of the ENT organs, urinary system, gastrointestinal tract, soft tissues. And also with chlamydia, rickettsiosis and many others. It is often used to prevent malaria when visiting countries with foci of this infection.

• high degree of absorption;
• affordable price;
• taking medicine does not depend on food intake.

• contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• not used to treat children under 8 years old;
• accumulates in bones and dentin.

9. Pancephus Alkaloid (Macedonia)

The average price for a pack of 6 tablets of 400 mg is 550 rubles.

The active substance is cefixime. A broad-spectrum antibiotic, a penicillin derivative, belongs to the subgroup of III generation cephalosporins.

It is highly active against streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, most enterobacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella, Neisseria.

Staphylococci, enterobacter and clostridia are resistant to cefixime.

It is used to treat infectious diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, otitis media, genitourinary system, including uncomplicated gonorrhea.

• variety of dosage forms (tablets, suspensions);
• the possibility of admission from half a year of life;
• affordable price compared to analogues.

• high risk of allergies, especially if there is a history of a reaction to penicillin;
• admission in old age is not recommended;
• contraindicated in colitis and renal failure.

8. Monural Zambon Group (Switzerland)

Price: from 350 rubles.

The active ingredient is fosfomycin.

Efficiency has been proven against enterococci, staphylococci, most enterobacteria, Klebsiella.

Monural is used for urinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis. Approved for use during pregnancy in case of a significant amount of bacteria in the urine.

• available in the form of granules for preparing a solution with a pleasant citrus taste;
• allowed for children from 5 years old and pregnant;

• - highly specific, it can act on many microorganisms, but it works only in the urinary system, since it is not processed by the body and is absorbed in the urine, where it does not allow infectious agents to attach to the wall of the urinary tract.

7. Klacid Abbott (India)

The average price depends on the form of release. Tablets: from 500 rubles, granules for preparing a suspension: from 600 rubles.

The active ingredient is clarithromycin. An antibiotic of the macrolide group that inhibits protein synthesis.

It is especially effective against legionellosis, mycoplasma pneumonia and infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Helicobacter pylori and many types of mycobacteria.

It should be noted that clarithromycin has proven to be effective against not only aerobic, but also anaerobic microorganisms.

Given the wide spectrum of action of the drug, it can be taken for a variety of diseases: infections of the respiratory tract, genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, mycobacteriosis associated with HIV infection, skin and soft tissues, and others.

• high efficiency against a variety of infectious agents;
• variety of forms.

• quite high price;
• an extensive list of side effects and contraindications;
• bitter taste and specific smell.

6. Zinnat GlaxoSmithKline (UK)

Average price: 400 rubles.

The active ingredient is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic - cefuroxime. The substance acts on the bacterial cell wall.

Highly effective against staphylococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria, Borrelia and peptostreptococci. Resistant to cefuroxime listeria, clostridia, many types of enterobacteria, as well as chlamydia, mycoplasma and legionella.

Zinnat can be taken for infectious diseases of the ENT organs, urinary and genital tract, infections of the skin and soft tissues (boils, impetigo and pyoderma), and for Lyme disease (borreliosis).

• does not have a pronounced taste and smell;
• approved for use in children from 3 months (in the form of a suspension).

• the medicine must be taken strictly after meals;
• can cause allergies;
• not recommended if you have problems with the digestive system.

5. Rovamycin Sanofi-Aventis (France)

Price: from 700 rubles.

The active substance, spiramycin, belongs to the macrolide group. One of the most modern drugs.

Neisseria, clostridia and ureaplasma are sensitive to it. Some staphylococci, enterobacteria, fusobacteria, mycoplasmas are resistant.

Rovamycin is prescribed for infections of the respiratory system (including atypical pneumonia), most skin diseases (dermatoses, impetigo, erysipelas), with damage to bones and joints, urinary infections (not gonorrheal in nature). Often used to prevent meningitis.

• can be used during pregnancy;
• rarely causes allergies.

• absorbed quickly, but not completely, with great variability (from 10 to 60%);
• quite high price.

4. Flemoxin Astellas (Netherlands)

The price depends on the dosage of the active substance, the form with the minimum concentration: from 200 rubles.

Flemoxin has an active substance in its composition - semi-synthetic penicillin.

Acts on streptococci, clostridia, neisseria, listeria and anthrax, as well as some types of staphylococci. Almost all bacteria of the enterobacteriaceae family are resistant to Flemoxin.

It is used for infections of the skin, respiratory tract and urinary system.

• absorbed almost completely;
• acid resistant;
• effective even in low concentrations;
• does not depend on food intake.

• contraindicated in mononucleosis or lymphocytic leukemia;
• like any antibiotic of the penicillin series, it can cause allergies.

3. Tavanik Sanofi-Aventis (Germany)

Price: from 450 rubles.

The active substance is levofloxacin from the group of fluoroquinolones. Suppresses the synthesis of bacterial cell DNA.

Sensitive to levofloxacin are: anthrax pathogen, golden and saprophytic staphylococci, streptococci, mycoplasma, chlamydia and ureaplasma, Klebsiella, hemophilic bacillus. Only enterococci are resistant, but there are a number of bacteria that can acquire resistance: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and many members of the enterobacteriaceae family.

The range of diseases for which the appointment of the drug Tavanik is indicated is wide, it is also diseases of the genitourinary system and respiratory tract. A distinctive feature of levofloxacin is its effectiveness against pulmonary anthrax. The drug is also used for post-exposure prophylaxis for this disease.

• absolute bioavailability;
• high efficiency.

• appoint only to persons who have reached the age of 18;
• contraindicated in epilepsy;
• may cause allergies.

2. Ciprolet Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories LTD (India)

Average price: 150 rubles.

A unique combination remedy, consisting of ciprofloxacin and tinidazole.

Tinidazole is an imidazole derivative, an antiprotozoal and antimicrobial agent, effective against Trichomonas, intestinal amoebae and lamblia, as well as clostridia, bacteroids, fusobacteria.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone derivative. It acts not only on DNA synthesis, but also destroys the cell wall, causing the death of dormant bacteria.

Almost all representatives of the enterobacteriaceae family, intracellular microorganisms (legionella, brucella, listeria, mycobacteria), staphylococci and streptococci are sensitive to the drug. But there are also resistant microorganisms: bacteroids, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, clostridia and the causative agent of syphilis - treponema pale.

Tsiprolet can be used for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system.

In addition to the above systems and organs, ciprofloxacin is prescribed for bacterial damage to the bones and joints, as well as infections of the oral cavity.

• well absorbed;
• wide range of applications;
• affordable;
• complex effect (effective against not only bacteria, but also protozoa).

• contraindicated in persons under 18 years of age;
• can cause allergies, inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis.

1. Summamed Pliva (Croatia)

Price: from 250 rubles.

The active ingredient azithromycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide-azalide group (new generation macrolides).

It is active against many types of staphylococci, streptococci, hemophilus influenzae, neisseria, chlamydia, mycoplasma, legionella, borrellia. Pneumococci, enterococci and anaerobic bacteroids are resistant to azithromycin.

Azithromycin is indicated for infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, the genitourinary system (cervicitis and urethritis caused by chlamydia), skin diseases, the initial stage of Lyme disease.

• relatively safe, side effects are rare;
• budget and high quality.

• the use of azithromycin is contraindicated in renal and hepatic insufficiency.

Considering all of the above, it is necessary to conclude that the best medicines for each specific case are those that the doctor prescribes. Undoubtedly, these should be pharmaceutical preparations, with a detailed description and in their original packaging.

The rules of their reception should be strictly observed, in this case they will fully fulfill their function, will not cause addiction, and will not lead to the development of an infection caused by resistant bacteria.

All kinds of ratings and reviews allow you to navigate in the variety of companies, their original drugs and budget counterparts.