What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?

Q: What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?

Antibiotics are not typically used to treat acute bronchitis, which is caused by a viral infection. Bronchitis, with symptoms of a persistent cough with or without mucus, may last for 2 to 3 weeks, so symptomatic treatment may be needed. Drinking extra fluids like water, taking mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and use of a humidifier may be helpful. Cough suppressants may prevent movement of mucus out of your lungs, so check with your doctor about the use of a cough medication. If you develop a fever or have a cough that does not improve after 10 days, cough up blood, or have wheezing or chest pain when you cough, contact your health care provider for further evaluation.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 31, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Antibiotics are not typically used to treat acute bronchitis, which is caused by a viral infection.

Bronchitis, with symptoms of a persistent cough with or without mucus, may last for 2 to 3 weeks, so symptomatic treatment may be needed.

Drinking extra fluids like water, taking mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and use of a humidifier may be helpful. Cough suppressants may prevent movement of mucus out of your lungs, so check with your doctor about the use of a cough medication.

If you develop a fever or have a cough that does not improve after 10 days, cough up blood, or have wheezing or chest pain when you cough, contact your health care provider for further evaluation.

Can You Take Tramadol with Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?

Yes, it is safe for most people to take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if they are old enough (aspirin is not recommended for children less than 16 years and tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 12).

Acetaminophen vs paracetamol: What do you need to know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) found in the U.S is the same medicine as paracetamol (Panadol) used throughout many regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, India and New Zealand. Acetaminophen and paracetamol are the generic names of medicines used to treat mild pain, headache and fever.

Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide

Yes, it is safe to take Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) together if you need to for extra pain relief, such as for a dental extraction. This combination is more effective than taking either medication alone because they work through different mechanisms with minimal overlapping of side effects. But it is important to follow key safety guidelines.

What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?

Read next

Can You Take Tramadol with Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?

Acetaminophen vs paracetamol: What do you need to know?

Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide

See also:

Ozempic

Trulicity

Wegovy

Lantus

Tresiba

Basaglar

Levemir

Novolog

Victoza

Toujeo SoloStar

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups