Antibiotic course and what to consider
- Takudzwa
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a group medication used to treat or prevent bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying. They are prescription drugs that are available as liquids, creams, injections, and pills. Major classes include Beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins), Macrolides, Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones, Aminoglycosides, and Glycopeptides. It is important to note that antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and E. coli. They’re not for every sickness, for example illness caused by viral infections.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled living organisms. They live inside your body, on your skin, and all around you. Most types of bacteria won’t hurt you. In fact, some bacteria help keep you healthy. However, some bacteria may cause illness and death. This highlights the importance of antibiotics.
Forms of antibiotics
Oral antibiotics - these are taken by mouth, and they come as tablets, liquids, and capsules
Topical antibiotics - These you can apply on the outside of your body. For example, you may rub a cream or antibiotic ointment onto your skin. You may also put antibiotic drops into your eyes or ears to treat certain infections.
Injections and intravenous (IV) antibiotics - these medicines are administered through an injection into your muscle or an IV in your vein. They are usually reserved for severe infections.
When should you not use antibiotics?
You shouldn’t take antibiotics for viral infections
A common cold or runny nose
A sore throat (unless it’s strep throat)
The flu
Most instances of bronchitis
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them. One of the biggest drivers of antibiotic resistance is unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Medicine misuse contributes to antibiotic resistance. Misuse can also occur when people do not take antibiotics as their doctor prescribes.
Measures to combat antibiotic resistance include finishing the treatment course and not sharing antibiotic medications with others, even if they have the same symptoms.
Side effects of antibiotics
nausea and vomiting
stomach pain
diarrhea
loss of appetite
Candida species overgrowth, which may lead to yeast infections
Antibiotics allergy
One may develop an allergic reaction to antibiotics, particularly cephalosporins and penicillin. Symptoms may include:
wheezing
hives
swelling of the tongue and face
difficulty breathing
Antibiotics interactions
One should consult a qualified healthcare professional when concurrently taking antibiotics and other medications or herbal remedies. Over-the-counter medicines may also interact with antibiotics.
conclusion
Antibiotics are life saving mediation. A typical course of antibiotics lasts between 5 and 14 days. People usually take antibiotics by mouth. However, doctors can administer them by injection or apply them directly to the part of the body with infection. To prevent resistance or return of infection, people should complete their antibiotic course. A person should only take antibiotics when they need them and when their doctor prescribes them.
References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.). About Antibiotic Use (https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about.html#print). Accessed 5/24/2023.
3 Condon SC, Isada CM, Tomecki KJ. Systemic and Topical Antibiotics. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
