Antibiotics: What they are and when to use them

It’s natural to want to feel better when you are sick. Over-the-counter medications can be used to manage symptoms of many common ailments and conditions, such as the common cold, headaches, or muscle aches.

What if you can’t treat a condition with over-the counter products? Antibiotics can be used in these situations. Continue reading to learn more about what antibiotics are, how they work and the side effects they can cause.

What are antibiotics used for?

Antibiotic tablets can be used to treat many different infections and diseases caused by bacteria. The majority of bacteria in the body are harmless. However, some bacteria can cause serious health problems that require antibiotic treatment.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. They don’t help with viruses, like a flu or cold.

Antibiotics: what are they used for?

Antibiotics can be used to prevent and treat many bacterial infections. Some antibiotics have a narrow spectrum and are only effective against a small number of bacteria. Others, called broad spectrum antibiotics, treat a large range of bacteria which cause common illnesses.

Antibiotics for ear infection

Antibiotics are not required for all ear infections. They may be needed for severe ear infection symptoms that last more than two to three days. Common antibiotics prescribed to treat middle ear infections include amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin). The antibiotics start working immediately but it may take a few days before you feel better.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Watchful waiting – Your doctor may suggest waiting a few more days to see if the symptoms will go away on their own. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and drink plenty of fluids.
• Delayed prescribing: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, but recommend waiting a couple of days before filling the prescription. This is to determine if the infection will heal on its own.

Antibiotics for strep throat

Penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics used to treat strep throat. It may take up to a week for you to start feeling better, even though the antibiotics begin working instantly. Antibiotics are important for treating strep throat and related conditions such as scarlet flu , impetigo and . Untreated, it may lead to kidney and sinus infections, rheumatic disease, and tonsil and sinus infections.

Antibiotics for bacterial sinus infection

Sinus inflammation is one of the first symptoms of upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold. It is possible to feel as if you have a cold when you do not. You can manage sinus symptoms by using over-the-counter medications, or a nasal spray recommended by your doctor.

If you have a sinus infection caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Common antibiotics prescribed to treat sinus infections include amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) and doxycycline. The doctor will decide which option is best for you. These treatments begin to work immediately, but it may take a few more days before you feel better.

Some minor sinus infections can heal without antibiotics. If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, if you have a fever that lasts over three days, or if they become worse, then an antibiotic may be required.

Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infection (UTI).

Common antibiotics prescribed to treat UTIs include cephalexin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Like most antibiotics they will begin fighting your UTI immediately, but it may take a few more days before you feel better.

If you have a simple UTI and are otherwise healthy, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics for 1-3 days. However, if the UTI does not resolve, antibiotics can be prescribed for 1-2 weeks. Home remedies can be used to prevent UTIs and treat symptoms, but they should not replace medical treatment.

Antibiotics and their effects

Antibiotics block bad bacteria, either by killing them or by stopping their growth. Different antibiotics work in different ways. Some antibiotics work by destroying the walls of a bacterial cellular wall, while others alter the way bacterial cells function. A doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic after a test is performed to determine what type of bacteria caused the infection.

Antibiotics are taken to treat:

Antibiotics can be taken in a variety of ways. Your doctor will decide the best way to proceed based on how you feel and your condition.

• Tablets, liquids and capsules are used to treat mild or moderate infections.
• Topical applications are used to treat skin infections, eye infections, and ear infection. They can be found in the form of lotions, sprays or creams.
• For more severe infections, these are usually administered intravenously (IV).

Antibiotics: side effects that are common

Antibiotics can have side effects, just like any other medication. Both good and bad bacteria live in your body. Antibiotics are designed to kill bad bacteria which make you sick. They can kill both good and bad bacteria.

Antibiotics can affect the good bacteria that lives in your intestine. It can cause abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

• Nausea
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bloating or indigestion

Antibiotics for yeast infections

Amoxicillin is one type of antibiotic that can kill good bacteria, causing a vaginal yeast infection. Your doctor may recommend taking probiotics to keep healthy bacteria alive during this period.

Antibiotics: Less common side-effects

Other reactions can occur occasionally to antibiotics. Other reactions to antibiotics are rarer but can include:

• Hives
• Cough
• Problem breathing

If you notice these symptoms, it may be a sign that you are allergic to antibiotics. It’s best to tell your doctor as soon as you can. Some people’s skin may become more sensitive to sunlight after taking anti-biotics. Take frequent breaks under the shade and apply sunscreen regularly if you are taking antibiotics in the summer.

Antibiotics interactions with drugs

Also, it’s important to know that antibiotics may negatively interact with other drugs, such as blood thinners or birth control pills. It is important that your doctor knows about the medications you are currently taking. This will allow them to prescribe you the best antibiotic.

Antibiotics: 4 ways to ensure you are using them correctly

When needed, antibiotics can be helpful. However, they must be used correctly. Four important tips are provided.

1. Antibiotics should only be taken when absolutely necessary

Antibiotics were initially developed to combat infections such as staph or strep that were once considered fatal. Due to the overuse of antibacterials, bacteria have changed, leading to a condition known as antibiotic resistance. Some antibiotics are less effective in fighting bacteria. This leads to more serious illnesses and longer recovery times.

Note on Antibiotic Resistance

Only take antibiotics when you can’t heal yourself. This will reduce the risk that your bacteria may evolve and become resistant in the future. Use antibiotics only to treat and prevent bacterial infections. Viral infections like a common cold cannot be treated with antibiotics.

2. Please follow your doctor’s advice

If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you must take them exactly as prescribed. Follow the entire course of treatment. Do not stop taking antibiotics until you are told to by your doctor. Do not alter the prescribed dosage, do not take antibiotics for an incorrect amount of time or save them to later.

Alcohol can cause some antibiotics to react badly. If you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics, you may experience a negative reaction.

3. Do not share antibiotics

For several reasons, prescriptions are written for each patient. Antibiotics prescribed to someone else may not work as well against your infection. If you have never taken antibiotics before, there is also a possibility of having an allergic reaction. Even if an antibiotic is prescribed to treat a specific infection, it may not contain the correct dosage.

4. Speak to your doctor about any symptoms you are concerned with

To prevent sickness, it’s important to look after yourself. Hand washing and hygiene are important. Honey, garlic, onions, and certain essential oils can also be used to manage some symptoms. If symptoms such as fever, congestion, and sore throat don’t improve or worsen after a few days, you should consult a doctor.