What You Should Know About Antibiotics

What You Should Know About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that can kill bacteria. Infections that we get can cause us to be very ill.

To rid our bodies of the bacteria that make us sick, doctors prescribe antibiotics.

Common infections that bacteria cause are those found in strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and also sinus infections.

Antibiotics are not the cure all medicines that some individuals think that they are. Antibiotics can do nothing for illnesses caused by viruses.

 Illness such as colds, flu, acute bronchitis, sore throats not associated with strep are all viruses. Viruses can make you feel very ill, but will go away by themselves.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat viruses. When antibiotics are taken for viruses, you are contributing to the possibility of increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria and taking antibiotics when you really do not need them will not make you feel any better or make the viruses go away any sooner. 

Antibiotics have common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and also stomach pain. These side effects will still happen even if you take them for viruses in which you will not feel any relief. 

Make sure that if your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you or a family member that you ask the doctor if the antibiotic is the only option and if it is really necessary.

 

Pills And Medicine Just because a drug is an OTC, does not mean that it is without risks. OTC medications can still present issues such as side effects, drug interactions with other medications you may be taking, and some may not be intended for use during pregnancy, while nursing or when taking other medications or street drugs. Just because a drug is not a prescription drug does not mean that it can have serious consequences when it is not taken as directed, or if it is taken with other medications or if it not taken in the manner that it was intended. Drugs and Medicine

 

Never use an antibiotic that has been prescribed for someone else. 

Some common antibiotics that are prescribed for children are Amoxicillin which is usually prescribed for middle ear infections, Cefprozil, which is usually prescribed for upper respiratory infections, cephalexin which is used to treat skin and soft tissue infections such as impetigo, and Penicillin V, used to treat strep throat and also some skin infections. 

Antibiotics come in different forms such as pills, shots, drops, gels, and also lotions. Antibiotics work best when you take them as prescribed and for as long as your doctor has prescribed for you to take them. You should never use leftover antibiotics. 

Side Effects Drugs Finding out all you can about what your medication is being prescribed for, how it will make you feel better, and knowing about any expected side effects or interactions with other medications beforehand can save you time and money. Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach to work and others need to be taken with food so that they do not upset your stomach. Some medications if taken incorrectly can cause liver damage or damage to other body organs, so it is important to find out all you can about how to take your medication, what the proper dosage is and how often you should take your medication. Individuals who take herbal supplements should know that certain medications should not be taken when you are taking certain herbal supplements so it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications or any herbal supplements that you are taking or have taken recently when you are being prescribed a medication to take. Drugs and Medicine

Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infections. They are used in preterm labor to prevent infection. Antibiotics are often used before dental procedure to prevent infection. 

Topical antibiotics are used to prevent bacterial infections in minor cuts. Topical antibiotics are also used to prevent infection in surgical incision sites. Topical antibiotics may have side effects such as a rash, sweating, a tightness or discomfort in the chest regions, breathing problems, feeling fizzy, nausea, diarrhea or a ringing in the ears. 

Antibiotics are very useful medications as long as they are not abused. 

They are often given intravenously during surgery or they may be given orally after surgery to prevent infection.