When doctors talk about antibiotic coverage, the range of bacteria a drug can effectively treat. Also known as antibiotic spectrum, it determines whether a medication will work against the infection you have. Not all antibiotics are the same. Some target just a few types of bacteria, while others hit a broad range. Choosing the right one isn’t about strength—it’s about matching the drug to the bug.
For example, sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa-based antibiotic often combined with trimethoprim. Also known as Bactrim or Septra, it’s commonly used for urinary tract infections, ear infections, and some types of pneumonia. Then there’s cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin that’s good for skin and soft tissue infections like cellulitis or staph. It’s often chosen because it’s affordable and well-tolerated. And doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that covers everything from Lyme disease to acne to certain respiratory bugs. It’s also the one that makes you extra sensitive to the sun—something you need to know before heading outdoors. These aren’t interchangeable. Using the wrong one can mean your infection doesn’t clear up, or worse, it gets worse.
Antibiotic coverage matters because infections don’t always show up as clear-cut cases. A sinus infection might be viral, bacterial, or both. A wound could be infected with staph, strep, or even a mix. That’s why doctors sometimes start with broad coverage—just to be safe—then narrow it down once lab results come back. But overusing broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to resistance, which is why knowing the exact coverage of each drug is critical.
You’ll find posts here that compare these drugs side by side. One looks at how cephalexin stacks up against other antibiotics for common infections. Another breaks down why sulfamethoxazole is still used despite newer options. And there’s a detailed guide on avoiding sun damage when you’re on doxycycline—a side effect many people don’t see coming. These aren’t just lists. They’re real-world comparisons based on how these drugs actually perform in clinics, pharmacies, and homes.
Whether you’re trying to understand why your doctor picked one pill over another, or you’re researching alternatives after a bad reaction, this collection gives you the facts without the jargon. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to ask next.
Cefprozil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic effective against common bacteria like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. It's used for ear, sinus, and skin infections but doesn't work on MRSA, Pseudomonas, or Enterococcus. Learn its spectrum, comparisons, and when to use it.
