Antibiotics: 10 top tips

In this article, we will describe antibiotics: 10 top tips.

1. What is an antibiotic? They are medicines that fight bacteria

By either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

2. What do antibiotics treat? They ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria

Such as:

Strep A throat
Whooping cough
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis (the body’s extreme response to infection).

3. What DON’T antibiotics treat? They DO NOT work on viruses

Such as those that cause:

Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
Most sore throats (except Strep A throat)
Flu
COVID-19
Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis) and diverticular disease
Many sinus infections
Some ear infections.

This is because these illnesses will usually get better on their own, without antibiotics.

4. What are viruses and bacteria? Both are germs but viruses are different from bacteria

Viruses cause infections, such as colds, flu. and COVID-19. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.

5. How long should antibiotics be taken for? 3, 5 or 7 days (usually)

But it can be two weeks; and sometimes many weeks for long-term infections.

Antibiotics should be taken for as long as the doctor has prescribed them. In fact, take them exactly as your doctor tells you, and they have been prescribed.

6. What time of day should you take antibiotics? Take them as written on the prescription

This may be one, two, three or four times a day.

You could remember the regular times of 6 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. for an antibiotic that needs to be taken every 8 hours, for example.

7. What are the side effects of antibiotics? Whenever antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects

Common side effects range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:

Rash
Nausea
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Yeast infections (e.g vaginal Candida (thrush))
Antibiotic-resistant infections.

What are more serious side effects of antibiotics?

Answer.

C. diff infection, which causes diarrhoea that can lead to severe colon damage and death
Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
Antibiotic-resistant infections.

Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

8. Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they are needed? Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotics are important to treat infections and have saved countless lives. However, anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health.

9. What is misuse of antibiotics? Wrong antibiotic, wrong dose, wrong length of time, not needed

The wrong antibiotic
The wrong dose of an antibiotic
An antibiotic for the wrong length of time
Not needed.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your illness.

10. Can people share antibiotics? Absolutely not

Do not share your antibiotics with others. Similarly, do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

Summary

We have described antibiotics: 10 top tips. We hope you have found it helpful.

Last Reviewed on 4 April 2024