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Antibiotics are life saving drugs. While we may not put too much thought into it when we pop a pill made of these tiny molecules, antibiotics were actually discovered at a time when a large number of people were dying of infectious diseases like cholera.
Today, the use of this drug has become so common these days that organisms are becoming resistant to their action -- making humans more suceptable to infections that cannot be treated as easily. In order to stop this phenomenon from worsening, all we need is a better understanding about how to use them safely and effectively.
What are antibiotics? How do they work?
Antibiotics are tiny molecules (100 times smaller than a water molecule) that are capable of interfering with the normal processes of bacteria. They are a group or class of medicines used for the treatment of infections like tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTI) and other infections that are caused due to bacteria. Antibiotics work by either killing the bacteria (bactericidal) or by inhibiting their growth (bacteriostatic).
Types of antibiotics
There are more than 100 different types of antibiotics but all of them can be categorised into these six classes (based on their effect on bacteria):
Based on their ability to treat infections, antibiotics are classified as broad spectrum and narrow spectrum antibiotics:
Broad spectrum antibiotics: They are effective against a broad range of bacteria and are useful to treat multiple infections together. For example: Cephalosporins are broad spectrum antibiotics used for treating pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections.
Narrow spectrum antibiotics: They are effective against a particular group of organisms or a single bacterium that causes multiple infections. For example: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic specific for bacteria causing throat infections, laryngitis, tonsillitis etc.
Next:When and how should antibiotics be taken?
When and how should they be taken?
One of the most important things you must realise is that antibiotics can only help treat conditions that are caused due to bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. They are ineffective for infections caused by viruses. Therefore unless it has been confirmed that you are suffering from an infection caused due to a bacteria, it is pointless taking antibiotics. Apart from that , there are a few things you should pay attention to while taking antibiotics.
Dosage recommendation
Following your doctor's instructions about when, for how long and what dosage of an antibiotic you should have is absolutely essential.
Antibiotics are often prescribed for a period of seven to 10 days. If you discontinue the drug before you complete the entire coursethe disease causing bacteria may become resistant to that antibiotic.
This is extremely dangerous, because once this happens, that antibiotic may no longer help in treating the same infection. This phenomenon is called antibiotic resistance.
Also, remember that you need to take your medicine at specific intervals mentioned by your doctor, for example-every 4-6 hours. If you miss a dose, there is a chance the antibiotic resistance may increase.
Next: Side effects of antibiotics
Side-effects of antibiotics:
Dr Aarti Ullal, General Physician, Mumbai, says that bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and not to mention antibiotic resistance(in the long run).
'It is quite common to experience digestive problems like constipation or diarrhoea. But that doesn t mean you stop taking medications. Consult your doctor and inform him/her about the same. He may change the medications,' she adds. You may also like to read 10 things you should keep in mind when you are on antibiotics.
Some of the common side-effects include:
You should seek medical help if you experience the following side-effects:
Consult your doctor before having antibiotics if you are prescribed the following drugs:
Precautions while taking antibiotics:
References:
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Image source: Getty Images
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