Antibiotics have made it possible to cure many fatal infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis. Antibiotics are the medications you use when you experience a bacterial infection. These drugs reduce the infection by killing or reducing the growth of the bacteria. Antibiotics save lives; they also help to relieve symptoms of bacterial infections.
Fortunately, we now have antibiotics to treat various infections, but using them safely is a concern. Incorrect use of these infection-fighting drugs can pose a risk to you and to millions of other people who depend on antibiotics.
What is an Antibiotic?
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They are considered as the life-saving medications for people suffering from certain illnesses. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, ointments, and creams.
Antibiotics are prescription medications for which you need to consult your doctor. You should follow the guideline for the usage of these antibiotics to avoid any health harms and development of resistance.
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
Health professionals are concerned about the overuse of antibiotics, which is resulting in resistance. It is the condition when antibiotics can no longer kill or stop the growth of bacteria. With antibacterial resistance, we may end up without having an effective treatment for specific conditions. Increased resistance is becoming the cause of severe infections, complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased fatality.
Inappropriate use of antibiotics is the primary cause development of antibiotic resistance. This happens when you use antibiotics to treat a viral infection or when you use the wrong antibiotics. When you are given antibiotics, they kill all the sensitive bacteria. The ones which survive are the resistant ones.
Uses of Antibiotics
A physician can recommend antibiotics to treat bacterial infections such as typhoid. A combination of antibiotics is recommended in case of pneumonia, and a broad range of antibiotics are recommended to treat a wide range of infections, for example, sepsis.
Antibiotics are suggested based on the type bacteria i.e. aerobic and anaerobic, gram-negative, or gram-positive. In a few cases, antibiotics are suggested to prevent the forthcoming infections like surgery and dental treatment even if a dog bite, such mode of treatment is known as prophylactic (1).
Side effects of antibiotics
You may experience side effects that are caused by overuse of antibiotics, such as nausea, fungal infections, allergic reactions, acidity problems, bowel problems, and in some cases, they also cause kidney stone formation. The most important thing is never to ignore these side effects and follow the guidelines for antibiotics usage.
Guidelines for taking antibiotics
Having adequate knowledge about proper antibiotic usage and being aware of side effects can help you avoid all the ill-effects. WHO is recommending to use antibiotics only when advised by certified health professionals, as antibiotic resistance is putting modern medicine at risk. Surgeries like organ transplantations, chemotherapy, and cesarean sections can get more complicated without effective antibiotics to treat the infections (2).
Follow these guidelines for the proper use of antibiotics:
1. Take Antibiotics on Time
Timing is a critical factor for antibiotics. Antibiotics need to be inside your body for a certain amount of time to fight the infection. Following a time schedule is essential here.
In case you forget a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But, if its time for your next dose, don’t try taking both together. Instead, take your next dose and continue with your schedule.
2. Complete the course Even If you Feel Better
Complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor; if you do not complete the course as prescribed, only partial bacteria are killed. The rest become resistant to the antibiotic. If you experience any side effects such as allergy, rashes, nausea, stomach, and bowel problems, consult your doctor immediately.
3. Do not Consume Alcohol While Taking Antibiotics
It is best to avoid alcohol when you are on antibiotics. Alcohol affects your immune system, which might weaken the healing process. It is believed that concomitant use of alcohol with antibiotics will cause toxicity or it may decrease the efficacy of the drug (3).
4. Store the Antibiotics Well
Some antibiotics need refrigeration, and some need to be stored at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist about your medication’s storage requirements or read the label properly to store them effectively.
5. Don’t Save Your Antibiotics For Later Use
Do not try to store the leftover antibiotics for future use. It is essential to know that different antibiotics are advised for different kinds of infections. Self-diagnosing and taking leftover medication might worsen your condition. Unnecessary use of these medications can cause side effects and resistance.
6. Do not Share Your Antibiotics
Different people have different reactions to certain medications. Sharing antibiotics with others might increase the risk of side effects or possible medical emergencies. Dispose of your leftover medications to avoid such consequences.
7. Do not Take Antibiotics for Viral Infection
Antibiotics can not cure viral infections like flu, cold, and cough. Generally, viral infections run its course, and if needed, antiviral drugs are advised. Also, avoid taking antibiotics for sinus and ear infection without consulting a health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I break the tablets into small pieces for easy swallowing?
Some medications may not work properly when broken. It is better to swallow them entirely. Please consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing the tablet.
2. Antibiotics should be taken with what?
Antibiotics are generally taken with water. Taking them with fruit juices, dairy products, or alcohol can affect their efficiency. Grapefruit juice and dietary supplements containing minerals like calcium can decrease the absorption of antibiotics (4). Make sure you always read instructions that come with your prescription.
3. When should I take antibiotics?
Antibiotics should be taken at the same time of day. Your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics before, with, or after food. Maintain a schedule and take your medications at the same time every day, as advised by your doctor.
4. Can I take antibiotics with my other medications?
Antibiotics can interact with other medications. You should discuss with your doctor if you are on any medications. Antibiotics interact with blood thinners and antacids and some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.Again, it is very important to read the instructions that come with your antibiotics.
Final Words
Antibiotics are meant to treat bacterial infections. Being cautious while taking antibiotics can help you avoid antibiotic resistance as well as side effects. Do not take antibiotics for every illness, talk to your doctor, and take these medications only when advised and as prescribed.
Antibiotics can not be used to treat respiratory infections caused by viruses. Overuse or improper use of these medications will cause side effects and lead to the development of resistance. It is essential to be aware of the guidelines mentioned above to use antibiotics in the right way.
When we all take the responsibility to maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics with proper usage, and by educating others, we can minimize the adverse effects successfully and minimize the emergence of resistant strains.