How to use antibiotics correctly? Let's talk!

Do you have a habit of going to the pharmacy and asking for an antibiotic when you have a cold or a sore throat? Or do you feel a little sad that the doctor didn't give you an antibiotic? What exactly are these antibiotics? Do they work for every disease? Let's talk about this in detail, very simply, and in a way that you can understand. After reading this article, you will have a good understanding of antibiotics.

What exactly are these antibiotics?

Simply put, antibiotics are a type of medicine that fights bacterial infections. Most importantly, they don't work against viral infections . That means antibiotics won't help you with common colds and flu.

Think about it, inside our bodies, on our skin, and in the environment around us, there are tiny creatures called bacteria. Not all of these bacteria make us sick. Some bacteria (for example, some types in our intestines) help our bodies stay healthy. But when some "bad" bacteria get into our bodies, they can cause illnesses ranging from minor infections to serious infections that require hospitalization.

This is where antibiotics come in handy. They are like soldiers that fight the bad bacteria in our bodies. They can help us get better faster and sometimes even save our lives.

How do antibiotics work?

There are two ways antibiotics work:

1. Killing bacteria: Some antibiotics directly kill bacteria by damaging essential parts of their cell walls, such as their cell walls.

2. Stopping bacteria from spreading: Some other antibiotics stop bacteria from making proteins that they need to divide and spread, so they can no longer grow.

Be sure to remember these things when using antibiotics!

To get the most out of antibiotics and get well quickly, you need to follow these steps exactly.

• Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right dose, at the right time: Your doctor will tell you how many days you should take this medicine, how many times a day you should take it, and whether you should take it before or after meals. Do it exactly as you are told. Do not stop taking the medicine just because you feel better in a couple of days. You should use the full prescribed time. If you do not, the strong bacteria that are left in your body can make the disease worse again.
• Do not save medicine and use it later: Do not save the medicine you were given for this illness and take it the next time you get sick. This is very dangerous. Because the next time you get sick, a different bacteria may be the cause.
• Don't take medicine prescribed by someone else: An antibiotic prescribed to your friend may not work for you. A doctor prescribes medicine based on many factors, such as the nature of your illness, your age, whether you have other illnesses, and whether you have any allergies. It's like a tailor tailoring a shirt to your exact measurements. You can't wear someone else's shirt.
• Dispose of leftover medication safely: Usually, you will be given only the amount of medication you need for your illness. However, if for any reason you have leftover medication, ask your doctor for advice on what to do with it.

What diseases are treated with antibiotics?

There are many bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics. Let's look at a few examples.

When are antibiotics not needed?

This is where many people misunderstand. Not every illness requires antibiotics.

Do not use antibiotics for viral infections:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Often bronchitis conditions
• Common Sore Throat That's Not Strep Throat
• Sinus Infection Caused by Viruses

Some bacterial infections that may clear up on their own:

Sometimes, things like ear infections and sinus infections can be cured by our own immune system without antibiotics. In such cases, it is up to your doctor to decide whether you need antibiotics or not.

Do antibiotics have side effects?

Yes, like all medications, antibiotics can have side effects. But most of the time, these are minor.

Let's talk a little more about diarrhea.

It's common to get diarrhea when taking antibiotics. This is because antibiotics kill not only the "bad" bacteria in our bodies, but also some of the "good" bacteria in our intestines. This usually goes away in a few days. However, if the diarrhea is severe and lasts more than a few days, talk to your doctor right away.

You may have a few questions...

Is it okay to drink alcohol with antibiotics?

This is a question that many people ask. The best thing to do is to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Some antibiotics can cause serious reactions when combined with alcohol, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness , and chest pain. Therefore, ask your doctor if it is okay to drink alcohol with your medication.

Can I take antibiotics during pregnancy?

Some antibiotics are safe to use during pregnancy. However, others can be harmful to the baby. Therefore, if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor before taking any medication.

Can't you get antibiotics from the pharmacy without a prescription?

According to Sri Lankan law, antibiotics are a medicine that must be dispensed only on a doctor's prescription . This is for your own safety. Only a doctor knows which antibiotic is right for your illness and what dosage to give. Therefore, never ask for or use antibiotics without a prescription.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

If you experience these symptoms while taking antibiotics, don't take it lightly.

• Severe skin damage or blistering.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If you feel short of breath or have a fever.
• If you feel difficulty swallowing.