There are a number of supportive care considerations when undergoing therapy for mycoplasma infections. Self-care approaches to better manage therapy includes understanding and managing long-term antibiotic treatment, including controlling adverse reactions to treatment and preventing side-effects of treatments.

Antibiotics are usually recommended to treat mycoplasma infections. The list of antibiotics effective include the following: doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, minocycline, clarithromycin, biaxin and levaquin. They may be at varying doses (high, low or pulsed) and are usually prescribed for an extended length of time. Physicians usually prescribe doxycycline at first. But, if an individual is chemically sensitive, ciprofloxacin may be the first antibiotic of choice. Many antibiotics cannot be used during pregnancy or by infants.

Oral administration works well for most patients, but a few highly-sensitive individuals may need to have an initial course of antibiotics given intravenously (IV). minocycline is what most specialists have used for an IV antibiotic. This requires that a heparin loc or PICC catheter be inserted into a vein for ease of administration. A dose every day (sometimes twice a day) for at least the first two weeks may be ordered. The IV antibiotic can be self-administered or a physician's office or home IV services can be used.

The typical natural life cycle of a mycoplasma organism is six (6) weeks. Most specialists prescribe the length of antibiotics to extend beyond numerous natural life cycles of the mycoplasma organism. Therefore, it is not uncommon to expect an antibiotic regime to be several continuous months.

The type of antibiotic and dosage and length of treatment is determined for each individual and is usually based on presenting symptoms, age, weight, etc. A general rule of thumb is to continue the antibiotic until symptoms disappear and then extend it another six (6) weeks to include another life cycle.

When most of one's symptoms are gone, it is not certain if one is “cured” or the organism is reduced in enough numbers for the immune system to keep it under control (dormant). Therefore, a periodic cycle or a maintenance low dose of antibiotics may be necessary for months or years. Once the mycoplasma infection is adequately treated, a healthy immune system may be all that is needed to keep the organisms dormant. It has been recommended that antibiotics should not be used solely or exclusively to treat mycoplasma infections.  In addition to antibiotics, careful consideration of dietary and life-style changes may be necessary to strengthen one's immune system. For instance, avoid the use of alcohol, caffeine, smoking, strenuous exercise, chemical exposure, extreme stress, etc. Also, some selected alternative therapies may be helpful in augmenting nutritional deficiencies, aid in the removal of toxic agents, or help to manage pain or stress.

Do not take antibiotics at the same time as minerals (such as those found in vitamins and antacids). It is best to take these supplements at least 2-3 hours before or after the antibiotic. Do not drink alcohol at any time while taking antibiotics. It has been found that minerals and alcohol may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Some of these antibiotics may cause sun sensitivity (especially doxycycline). Avoid direct sunlight and tanning salons. Be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat, wear long sleeves and pants to prevent a sunburn. Report any burning sensations or severe red skin or rash to your physician.

All antibiotics can decrease effectiveness of birth control pills. It is advised that those who take antibiotics should use other means of contraception, like condoms or other barrier methods while taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics can cause gastro-intestinal problems. For those antibiotics that are to be taken on an empty stomach, ingesting one small cracker before taking the antibiotic seems to help. If indicated, take the antibiotic with food. Do not lie down for two hours after taking antibiotics as it may cause a burning sensation in the stomach area. Report any symptoms to your physician of burning or gnawing pain in your stomach, nausea, lack of appetite, bloating or excessive gas and diarrhea.

Antibiotics may adversely affect one's liver. Some supplements that have been known to protect the liver are Silymarin (milk thistle), ALA (alpha lipoic acid), and vitamin C. Avoid alcohol and acetaminophen (Tylenol) and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day while taking antibiotics. To monitor your liver while taking antibiotics, your physician may prescribe regular blood studies.

Mycoplasma Support does not make specific recommendations for individuals, nor does Mycoplasma Support endorse commercial products. The recommendations for self-care listed in this section are potentially useful; however, they are only examples that could be beneficial to individuals with chronic mycoplasma infection.  

The information contained in the supportive care information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. The information presented is to help you make informed decisions about your self-care. The information should not take the place of medical advice. The information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied upon or interpreted to suggest a course of treatment for any individual.  It is information only and it should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.  You are encouraged to share this information with your physician.

(Created 7/10/05 by Sharon Briggs)