Antibiotics

Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the infection. Since their discovery, antibiotics have saved countless lives and made many previously fatal infections treatable.

However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like the common cold, flu, or most cases of bronchitis. Using antibiotics inappropriately contributes to antibiotic resistance, a serious global health threat. It's important to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare provider and to take them exactly as directed.

Antibiotics work in different ways:

Bactericidal Antibiotics:

• Kill bacteria directly
• Examples: Penicillin, Cephalosporins

Bacteriostatic Antibiotics:

• Stop bacteria from growing
• Allow immune system to eliminate them
• Examples: Tetracyclines, Macrolides

Mechanisms:

• Interfere with cell wall formation
• Disrupt protein synthesis
• Block DNA replication
• Interfere with metabolic processes

Different antibiotics target different types of bacteria, which is why your doctor chooses a specific antibiotic based on the type of infection.

Antibiotics are used to treat:

• Bacterial Infections:

  • Pneumonia
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Skin infections
  • Strep throat
  • Some ear infections
  • Bacterial sinusitis

• Prevention (Prophylaxis):

  • Before certain surgeries
  • For people at high risk of infection
  • After certain injuries (like animal bites)

Not Used For:

• Viral infections (colds, flu, most bronchitis)
• Most sore throats (usually viral)
• Most sinus infections (often viral)
• Most ear infections (many are viral)

Important Guidelines:

1. Take as Prescribed:

   • Complete the full course, even if you feel better
   • Don't skip doses
   • Take at the same times each day

2. Follow Instructions:

   • With or without food (as directed)
   • Proper storage
   • Don't share antibiotics

3. Timing:

   • Space doses evenly
   • Don't double up if you miss a dose
   • Contact your doctor if you miss multiple doses

4. Finish the Course:

   • Stopping early can lead to:
     • Incomplete treatment
     • Recurrence of infection
     • Antibiotic resistance

Common side effects include:

• Digestive Issues:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach upset

• Allergic Reactions:

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty breathing (rare, seek immediate care)

• Other:

  • Yeast infections (especially in women)
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Interactions with other medications

Serious Side Effects (seek medical care):

• Severe allergic reaction
• Severe diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection)
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe rash

What It Is:

• Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
• Infections become harder or impossible to treat
• A growing global health threat

How It Happens:

• Overuse of antibiotics
• Incomplete courses of treatment
• Use for viral infections
• Agricultural use

Prevention:

• Only use antibiotics when prescribed
• Complete full courses
• Don't use leftover antibiotics
• Don't pressure doctors for antibiotics
• Practice good hygiene to prevent infections

• Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling)
• Severe symptoms after taking antibiotic

• Severe side effects
• Symptoms not improving after a few days
• New or worsening symptoms
• Questions about taking antibiotics
• Concerns about interactions

• Mild side effects (like mild nausea)
• Following prescribed course
• Understanding how to take medication

Pregnancy:

• Some antibiotics are safe, others are not
• Always inform your doctor if pregnant
• Don't avoid needed antibiotics

Children:

• Dosing based on weight
• Some antibiotics not suitable for children
• Liquid formulations available

Older Adults:

• May need dose adjustments
• Higher risk of side effects
• More likely to have drug interactions

No. Always complete the full course as prescribed. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics don't work against viruses and using them unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for the next dose. Don't double up. If you miss multiple doses, contact your healthcare provider.

It depends on the specific antibiotic. Some interact with alcohol, causing serious side effects. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Most people start feeling better within 2-3 days, but it's important to complete the full course even if you feel better sooner.