What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

You might seek out antibiotic treatment for relief from an illness such as sore throat, nasal congestion or coughing. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics may have serious effects.

Here are the answers to common questions about antibiotics.Remember if you ever have questions please consult your UIC Pharmacist.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medications used to treat many kinds of infections. Antibiotics work by eliminating bacteria and some fungi. Bacteria is a simple term for organisms that can be found not only in natural environments but also in your body. In general, bacteria are harmless and a necessary part of life.  However, bacteria can cause diseases when they have access to your body and/or multiply more rapidly than your body can respond. Bacteria can infect all parts of your body including the eyes, ears, throat, lungs, stomach, colon, genitals, bones, blood, and brain.

When do I need antibiotics?

Antibiotics are strong medications used to treat infections, but antibiotics should not be used to treat everything. Viral infections such as colds, the flu, hepatitis, herpes, and HIV cannot be treated with antibiotics. Even some mild infections such as ear infections, do not need antibiotics. The common symptoms of bacterial  infections are malaise, fever, chills, swelling, discharge, severe pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. However, these symptoms can be due to non-bacterial illnesses as well. Thus, it is best to check with your doctor if you think you may have a bacterial infection. Physical examination and sometimes laboratory tests can determine whether the illness is a bacterial infection or not, and then doctors can treat you properly.

Why do I get different antibiotics for treating different infections?

Each class of antibiotics kills bacteria in a unique way. Some antibiotics can kill bacteria by interrupting part of their reproductive process and some slow their growth. Your doctor will choose the best antibiotic based on your illness.

What are common side effects I may experience while I am taking antibiotics?

The most common side effects of antibiotics are:

-  Nausea

-  Vomiting

-  Diarrhea

-  Upset stomach

When do I know I am allergic to antibiotics and what should I do?

An allergic reaction may occur with use of antibiotics. The most common signs and symptoms of a drug allergy are:

-  Hives

-  Rash

-  Fever

-  Itching

-  Facial swelling

-  Shortness of breath

Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, may also occur and symptoms include tightness of the airways and throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.

Stop your medication immediately and talk to your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of a drug allergy. Mild allergic reactions are treated by stopping medication and substituting with another antibiotic, while severe reactions or suspected anaphylaxis requires emergency treatment.

Can I stop taking antibiotics or re-take antibiotics when I feel better or sick?

Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Taking the full course of antibiotics is the only way to kill all harmful bacteria. If you did not complete all antibiotics, some bacteria may be left in your body, which can multiply and become strong enough to resist the antibiotic in the future. In addition, it is never a good idea not take all of your antibiotics. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for the future infection. Even if it is, you may not have enough pills to kill bacteria, which causes antibiotic resistance.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is when antibiotics no longer work to kill bacteria because antibiotics are used too often or used inappropriately. Bacteria can adapt or modify their structure, so that antibiotics can no longer kill them. As a result, the bacteria continues to be present in the body to cause infection.

Why should I be worried about antibiotic resistance?

If you take antibiotics that cannot fight the bacteria they are supposed to kill, your infection can last longer and be harder to treat. You might have to see your doctor more frequency. You might have to take different medications or stay in the hospital to get stronger antibiotics. In addition, your family members or other people you come into contact with will be exposed to the resistant bacteria you have. Then, these people might develop antibiotic-resistant infections as well. 

How can I prevent antibiotic resistance?

- Discuss the appropriate medication for your illness with your doctor and avoid overusing or   misusing antibiotics.

- Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection such as a cold or the flu.

-  Take antibiotics exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not skip doses. Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and cause a re-infection.

-  Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick. If your doctor has prescribed more than the required dose, discard any leftover medication once you have completed the course of treatment.

-  Do not share antibiotics with family or friends, even if you have the same symptoms. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for you illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.

-  Finally, you should not demand antibiotics when your doctor has determined they are not needed.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get Smart: Know Antibiotics Work. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/ Updated August 15, 2011. Accessed Novermenber 14, 2011.

Written by: Ittiporn Chuatrisorn, BSc(Pharm), MCP

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