This is topic Omnicef and Blood Brain Barrier: Please Help in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/85003

Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
 
Currently my LLMD has me taking Omnicef and Zithromax, and will be starting something for cyst form soon. My main symptom that I have had for over a month is dim vision like I have a pair of lightly tinted sunglasses on (but I dont), or like dimmness of vision when one is going to pass out.

I had a thorough eye exam (pictures back of eye, dialated, etc) and everything checked out okay. The eye doctor stated that brain issues can also effect vision.

Does anyone know if Omnicef crosses the blood brain barrier? I tried to verify via google, but received conflicting information. I am really, really concerned as this is my #1 symptom - my vision.

Thank you for your help.
 
Posted by efsd25 (Member # 2272) on :
 
Yes, Omnicef does cross the blood brain barrier, and for that reason, is often the antibiotic of choice for certain cognitive issues.
 
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
 
From what I know, oral Omnicef crosses it rather weakly. There is a fourth class cephalosporin- I can't recall its name- that does better orally if I remember correctly. That bit is hearsay, so check online or with your LLMD to make sure.

Rocephin by IV does a very good job re: BBB.

As for cyst busters, flagyl has a slightly smaller molecular size than tinnidazole, so is supposed to cross the BBB better. However, some people prefer the latter b/c of fewer side effects, liver, etc. (I did fine on both).
 
Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
 
Here is an abx chart that may help:

http://www.lymepa.org/Antibiotics_spreadsheet_2004-1215.pdf
 
Posted by steven (Member # 13101) on :
 
is it possible there are mistakes in this list? rocephin for example doesnt kill intracelullar germs.
 
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
 
Here is some good general information on abx and the BBB:

http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/515003

It is not specific for treating Lyme disease, but I found it helpful.

lymebytes,
Do you know who the author of that antibiotic chart is?

Dawn,
The only fourth generation cephalosporin that I'm aware of is Maxipine, and it is only available through IV. Here is a link that I think is a good chart of abx:

http://depts.washington.edu/medclerk/documents/ID-Limaye.pdf
 
Posted by s0ngbird1962 (Member # 16395) on :
 
My son is only 6 (almost 7) he takes zith and omnicef. His most troublesome symptoms are with his vision too... (blurry/loss/hallucinations).

Like you he saw an eye dr, also had neuro testing, MRI, EEG. Checked out ok... Eye Dr. tried to convince me he was having silent ocular migraines. Ummmm, not.
 
Posted by LymeCFIDSMCS (Member # 13573) on :
 
Some LLMDs combine Omnicef with Probenicid which helps it cross the BBB apparently.

I am taking both, after doing Ceftriaxone shots for awhile: so far I have held my progress from the shots by switching to this combo.
 
Posted by venus (Member # 16991) on :
 
I am currently on Omnicef with zith and rifampin. I also pulse flagyl. My problems are pretty much all neurological. I would have to say that omnicef and flagyl have helped me so it must cross the BBB.

I also had some of my worst herxing from omnicef and flagyl.

Just my experience.

KMM
 
Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
 
Thank you everyone for your responses. I really appreciated it.
 
Posted by joe-nm (Member # 18054) on :
 
I had extensive visoion problems too. My vision was dim, blurry and vertical lines would viabrate rapidly back and forth.

I was on rocephin IV for three months which helped my lyme but not the vision problems.

After the IV, My doc swithed me to oral Biaxin and Rifampin for the Bartonella. The Bartonella causes LOTS of eye problems.

The Rifampin stopped the blurry vision almost instantly. The vibrating vision was reduced very gradulally.

Rifampin works slowly - or the disease responds slowly. I began the Rifampin in January and am still on it with the Biaxin and Plaquenil.

I have been on Antibiotics for one year now; I started on August 22, 2008.

Although I still have a small amount of vibration in my visual images, my life is much improved. I can work again and can function mentally.

When I first started treatment, I was so sick I couldn't leave my house and did not know who I was some of the time.

I hope you get better.
 
Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
 
Thanks so much Joe for sharing.

Ive been in treatment for only 4 months, and I too have not been able to leave the house.

I am so happy to hear your progress and that your vision and life is much improved. That is encouraging to me.

One day at a time, I want to keep the hope, and someday I'll be able to share further progress.
 


Powered by UBB.classic™ 6.7.3