Antibiotics: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them Safely

Antibiotics are medicines that can kill or stop the growth of bacteria, which are tiny organisms that can cause infections in humans and animals. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Antibiotics can save lives when used properly, but they can also cause side effects and lead to antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics work by interfering with the vital functions of bacteria, such as making their cell walls, producing proteins, or copying their DNA. Different types of antibiotics have different ways of attacking bacteria. For example, penicillin prevents bacteria from forming their cell walls, while tetracycline stops bacteria from making proteins. Some antibiotics are broad-spectrum, which means they can work against many kinds of bacteria. Others are narrow-spectrum, which means they are more specific and target only certain types of bacteria.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Viruses are different from bacteria and have different ways of infecting cells and reproducing. Using antibiotics for viral infections will not help you get better and may harm you by causing side effects or increasing the risk of resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem that occurs when bacteria become able to survive or grow in the presence of antibiotics that normally kill or inhibit them. This means that the antibiotics become less effective or ineffective against those bacteria. Resistance can happen naturally when bacteria mutate or evolve over time, or when bacteria exchange genetic material with each other. Resistance can also be caused by the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, such as taking them when not needed, not finishing the prescribed course, or using them for animals or plants.

Antibiotic resistance can have serious consequences for human health and society. It can make infections harder to treat and increase the risk of complications and death. It can also reduce the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and limit the options for new ones. It can also increase the health care costs and burden for individuals and communities.

To prevent or slow down antibiotic resistance, it is important to use antibiotics wisely and only when prescribed by a doctor.

You should follow these steps when taking antibiotics:

•  Take them exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses, stop early, or take more than prescribed.

•  Do not share your antibiotics with others or use leftover antibiotics from previous prescriptions.

•  Do not ask for antibiotics if your doctor says you do not need them. Ask what you can do to relieve your symptoms instead.

•  Do not use antibiotics for animals or plants unless advised by a veterinarian or an agronomist.

•  Dispose of any unused or expired antibiotics properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash.

•  Practice good hygiene and infection prevention measures, such as washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, getting vaccinated, and avoiding contact with sick people.

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that can fight bacterial infections and save lives when used properly. However, they can also cause side effects and lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is important to know what they are, how they work, and how to use them safely.

Antibiotics are medicines that can kill or stop the growth of bacteria, which are tiny organisms that can cause infections in humans and animals. However, antibiotics can also affect the normal bacteria that live in and on our bodies, such as in our gut, skin, mouth, or vagina. These bacteria are called the microbiome and they play important roles in our health and well-being.

When antibiotics disturb the balance of the microbiome, they can cause side effects, such as:

•  Diarrhea: Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the gut that help digest food and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to diarrhea, which is loose or watery stools. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malabsorption of nutrients. To prevent or treat diarrhea caused by antibiotics, you should drink plenty of fluids, eat foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast (BRAT diet), and avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, or high in fiber. You can also take probiotics, which are live bacteria or yeasts that can restore the balance of the gut microbiome. You can find probiotics in foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi, or in supplements that you can buy over-the-counter. However, you should consult your doctor before taking probiotics, as they may interact with some antibiotics or have other risks.

•  Nausea and vomiting: Antibiotics can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting. Nausea is a feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may make you want to vomit. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting can make you lose your appetite and affect your hydration and nutrition. To prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by antibiotics, you should take your antibiotics with food or milk, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should also eat small and frequent meals, avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling, and drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, or ginger ale. You can also try some natural remedies, such as ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea, or acupressure wristbands that stimulate a point on your wrist that can reduce nausea. However, you should not use these remedies if you are allergic to them or have other medical conditions that may contraindicate them.

•  Yeast infections: Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the vagina that keep the yeast Candida albicans under control. This can lead to yeast infections, which are fungal infections that cause itching, burning, redness, swelling, and discharge in the vagina. Yeast infections can also affect other parts of the body, such as the mouth (thrush) or the skin (intertrigo). Yeast infections can be uncomfortable and interfere with your sexual health and quality of life. To prevent or treat yeast infections caused by antibiotics, you should avoid wearing tight-fitting or synthetic clothing that trap moisture and heat in the genital area. You should also avoid using douches, perfumed products, or spermicides that can alter the pH balance of the vagina. You can also take probiotics to restore the balance of the vaginal microbiome. You can find probiotics in foods such as yogurt or supplements that you can buy over-the-counter. However, you should consult your doctor before taking probiotics, as they may interact with some antibiotics or have other risks. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that you can apply to the affected area (creams, ointments) or take by mouth (pills).

These are some of the common side effects of antibiotics and how to manage them.

However, antibiotics can also cause other side effects that may be more serious or rare. These include:

•  Allergic reactions: Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to them. Allergic reactions are immune system responses that occur when the body recognizes a foreign substance as harmful and tries to eliminate it. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Mild allergic reactions may include rash, hives (itchy bumps on the skin), itching, swelling (of the face or lips), or sneezing. Severe allergic reactions may include anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness, or death. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction to antibiotics, you should stop taking them and seek immediate medical attention. You should also inform your doctor about your allergy and avoid taking the same or similar antibiotics in the future.

•  Photosensitivity: Antibiotics can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn, rash, or blisters. Photosensitivity is more common with certain types of antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, or sulfonamides. If you are taking antibiotics that can cause photosensitivity, you should limit your exposure to sunlight and artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) light, such as tanning beds or lamps. You should also wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, or long sleeves, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) when going outdoors.

•  Hearing loss: Antibiotics can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or vertigo (dizziness). Hearing loss is more common with certain types of antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, or vancomycin. If you are taking antibiotics that can cause hearing loss, you should monitor your hearing and report any changes to your doctor. You should also avoid loud noises and protect your ears with earplugs or headphones when necessary.

•  Kidney damage: Antibiotics can affect the function of the kidneys and cause kidney damage, which can lead to reduced urine output, swelling (of the legs, ankles, or feet), fatigue, nausea, or confusion. Kidney damage is more common with certain types of antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, or vancomycin. If you are taking antibiotics that can cause kidney damage, you should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the toxins from your body and prevent dehydration. You should also have regular blood tests to check your kidney function and adjust your dosage accordingly.

•  Liver damage: Antibiotics can affect the function of the liver and cause liver damage, which can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or itching. Liver damage is more common with certain types of antibiotics, such as macrolides, fluoroquinolones, or isoniazid. If you are taking antibiotics that can cause liver damage, you should avoid alcohol and other substances that can harm your liver. You should also have regular blood tests to check your liver function and adjust your dosage accordingly.

These are some of the serious or rare side effects of antibiotics and how to manage them. However, antibiotics can also cause other side effects that may not be listed here. If you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects while taking antibiotics, you should contact your doctor for advice and guidance.

Learn what antibiotics are, how they work, and how to use them safely. Find out how to prevent side effects and antibiotic resistance.