When you have a cold or a sore throat, do you ever go to the pharmacy and ask for an "antibiotic"? Maybe you even ask for a medicine that was given to you by a friend. In fact, many people in our country do that. But is it really right? In this article, we will simply talk about what antibiotics are, how to use them correctly, and what can happen if they are used incorrectly.
Simply put, what are these antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a type of medicine that fights infections caused by bacteria . The most important thing to remember here is that they do not work against viral infections. This means that antibiotics will not help with illnesses like the common cold or the flu.
Think about it, inside our bodies, on our skin, and everywhere in the environment around us are tiny creatures called bacteria. Most of these don't bother us. Some (like those in our intestines) even help us. But if some bad bacteria get into our bodies, they can make us sick, from a minor infection to a serious illness that requires hospitalization.
This is when antibiotics become so important to us. They can heal us, and sometimes even save lives. But like anything, overusing antibiotics is not a good idea. Taking antibiotics when they are not necessary (for viral infections, or for minor bacterial infections that get better on their own) can cause unwanted side effects and contribute to the "antibiotic resistance" problem we face as a world.
How do antibiotics work inside the body?
Antibiotics work in two main ways:
1. Killing bacteria: Some antibiotics kill bacteria by destroying the parts of the bacteria that are essential for them to survive (for example, their cell wall or DNA).
2. Stopping the growth of bacteria: Some other antibiotics stop bacteria from making the proteins they need to divide and multiply. This means they can no longer spread.
This is how to use antibiotics correctly!
To get the most out of these medications, it is essential to use them correctly. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you: You should take the medicine for the full course of days your doctor prescribes. Be sure to follow the instructions on how many times a day you take it, and whether to take it before or after meals. Ask if anything is unclear.
- Don't save medicine for later use: Don't even think, "I'll take it this time and save the rest for the next illness." That's dangerous. You are only prescribed medicine for the specific infection you have at that time.
- Don't take medicine that someone else gave you: A prescription is like a suit that's made just for you. It's tailored to you based on a variety of factors, including the type of infection you have, your health history, and your allergies.
- Dispose of leftover medication safely: You will usually receive the exact amount of medication you need. However, if for some reason you have leftover medication, you can ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of it.
What conditions are treated with antibiotics?
Antibiotics can treat a wide range of bacterial infections that can occur in different parts of our bodies. Here are a few examples.
| Type of infection | Examples |
|---|---|
| Skin and soft tissue infections | Cellulitis, Impetigo, infections from animal or human bites, Staph infection |
| Infections of the throat and respiratory system | Bacterial pneumonia, Strep throat, Whooping cough |
| Urinary and reproductive system infections | Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |
| Eye infections | Pink eye, orbital cellulitis |
| Other situations | Endocarditis, Lyme disease, Sepsis caused by a bacterial infection |
When is it not a good idea to take antibiotics?
This is the most important part. Don't take antibiotics for viral infections. They don't work.
Remember: No matter how hard you try, taking antibiotics for a cold won't cure it. It's like putting a band-aid on a sunburn. It's not the right solution to the problem.
Conditions that are not treated with antibiotics:
- The flu
- Common cold or runny nose
- Many cases of bronchitis
- A common sore throat that is not a strep infection
- Sinus infection caused by a virus
Also, there are some bacterial infections that will clear up on their own in a few days. For example, some ear infections, some sinus infections. Your doctor will decide whether or not you need antibiotics.
Types of antibiotics and their side effects
Types of antibiotics
- Oral medications: tablets, capsules, or oral syrups.
- Topical medications: creams, ointments, eye or ear drops.
- Injections and Saline (Injections/IV): Given in a hospital for severe infections.
Side effects of antibiotics
Although these are often minor, it is important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Common (minor) side effects | Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, skin rash, yeast infections |
| Serious (rare) side effects | C. diff infection (a severe infection of the intestines), severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) |
Can allergies occur to antibiotics?
Yes. It is not common, but it can happen. In mild cases, itchy skin rashes (hives) may occur. However, in severe cases (anaphylaxis), symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and difficulty breathing may occur.
This is an emergency! If you experience any of these severe symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Prompt treatment can save a life.
The risks of using antibiotics
There are two main risks: drug interactions and antibiotic resistance.
1. Drug Interactions
Some antibiotics can interact with other medications you are taking. For example, they can interact with medications like Warfarin, Beta-blockers, some pain relievers (NSAIDs), and antacids used for gastritis.
Therefore, before your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you, be sure to tell him about all the medications you are currently taking (including medications for other illnesses, vitamins, and even Ayurvedic medicines).
2. Antibiotic Resistance
This is one of the biggest health threats in the world today. What happens is that when we use antibiotics unnecessarily, bacteria adapt to those drugs and learn to fight them. Then the antibiotics that previously worked for the bacteria that cause the disease no longer work. It is very difficult to cure diseases caused by such "superbugs."
Answers to your frequently asked questions
Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
The best thing to do is to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Some antibiotics (e.g. Metronidazole) can react badly with alcohol, causing serious side effects such as vomiting, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Ask your doctor about the medication you are taking.
Can I take antibiotics during pregnancy?
Some antibiotics are safe during pregnancy. However, some (e.g. Tetracyclines) may be harmful to the fetus. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before taking any medication.
Can I buy antibiotics from the pharmacy without a prescription?
According to the law in our country, a doctor's prescription is required to obtain oral antibiotics. This is for your own safety. Some creams that are applied to the skin (topical antibiotics) can be purchased without a prescription.
Take-Home Message
- Antibiotics should only be used for bacterial infections. They are useless for viral illnesses like colds and flu.
- Take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full number of days prescribed . Do not stop taking it because the pain has subsided.
- Never use someone else's antibiotics or medicine left over from a previous illness.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Don't ask your doctor for antibiotics when you have a cold. Let your doctor decide if you need them.
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