What is an antibiotic?
Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria in humans and animals by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
Antibiotics are also called antibacterial.
The first Morden-day antibiotic was used in 1936.Today antibiotics are still powerful,life-saving medications and they prevent less-serious infections from becoming serious.
The first Morden-day antibiotic was used in 1936.Today antibiotics are still powerful,life-saving medications and they prevent less-serious infections from becoming serious.
Forms Of Antibiotic
- tablets
- capsules
- liquids
- creams
- ointments
- injections
How do antibiotics work against bacteria?
Antibiotics fight bacterial infections either by killing bacteria or slowing and suspending its growth this is achieved by:
- attacking the wall or coating surrounding bacteria
- interfering with bacteria reproduction
- blocking protein production in bacteria
What Do antibiotics treat?
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Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:
Strep throat, Whooping cough, Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Antibiotics are also needed to treat life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such as sepsis, which is the body’s extreme response to infection.
What Don’t Antibiotics Treat?
- Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses, such as those that cause:
- Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green, Most sore throats (except strep throat),Flu, Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis)
- Antibiotics Also Are Not Needed For Some Common Bacterial Infections Like Sinus Infections And Some Ear Infections. This Is Because These Illnesses Will Usually Get Better On Their Own, Without Antibiotics.
Uses
- Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.
- That are not serious but are unlikely to clear up without antibiotics – such as acne
- That are not serious but could spread to other people if not promptly treated – such as the skin infection impetigo or the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia
- where evidence suggests that antibiotics could significantly speed up recovery – such as a kidney infection
- That carry a risk of more serious complications – such as cellulitis or pneumonia
- Antibiotics to prevent infection
- Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent, rather than treat, an infection. This is called antibiotic prophylaxis. Situations where antibiotics are given as a preventive treatment include: if you're having an operation, after a bite or wound that could get infected
Misuse of antibiotics
- Antibiotic misuse, sometimes called antibiotic abuse or antibiotic overuse, refers to the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, with potentially serious effects on health.
- Misdiagnosis and self-medication{wrong antibiotic}
- Not completing the dosage as prescribed by the clinician.
- Sharing of antibiotics.
- Prolonged use.
Antibiotic Resistance
The overuse of antibiotics in recent years means they’re becoming less effective and has led to the emergence of “superbugs”. These are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to many different types of antibiotics, including: MRSA(methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) ,clostridium difficile (c. diff)and MDR-TB{Multi drug resistant tuberculosis.}
These types of infections can be serious and challenging to treat, and are becoming an increasing cause of disability and death across the world.
The biggest worry is that new strains of bacteria may emerge that cannot be treated by any existing antibiotics.
Interactions
Antibiotics can sometimes interact with other medicines or substances. This means it can have an effect that is different to what you expected.
If you want to check that your medicines are safe to take with your antibiotics, ask your GP or local pharmacist.
Some antibiotics need to be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Example: it’s best to completely avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole or tinidazole, and for 48 hours afterwards, as this combination can cause very unpleasant side effects, such as: feeling and being sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, headaches.
Recommendations
- Take them exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines.
- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.
- Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
