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World Antibiotic Awareness Week - Do you know your antibiotics?

World Antibiotic Awareness Week - Do you know your antibiotics?

Do you take antibiotics frequently? Here are guidelines you should follow while taking them.

Written by Shraddha Rupavate |Updated : November 15, 2016 10:06 PM IST

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?

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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):

  • Aminoglycosides: These antibiotics work by inhibiting protein synthesis in the bacterial cell and therefore helps in killing them. This kind of drug is commonly used to treat common infections like cholera and those that arise in the respiratory system.
  • Cephalosporins: Broad spectrum antibiotics that work against most bacteria, cephalosporins are used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory ailments too.
  • Fluoroquinolones: Another brad spectrum antibiotic, fluroquinolones are not used to treat infections in children. This drug is commonly used to treat streptococcus infections that may arise in one's respiratory tract, urinary tract and throat.
  • Macrolides: Are antibiotics that are used to treat infections caused due to streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, and enterococci.
  • Penicillins: The first antibiotic discovered, penicillin is commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses including respiratory ailments, ear infections and throat infections.
  • Tetracyclines: Used to treat a number of infections this antibiotic is commonly used to treat acne and rosacea.

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.

  • Antibiotics should be consumed with plain water.
  • Preferably, avoid having them with other beverages, juices or drinks. As per the Howard University of Pharmacy, antibiotics should not be consumed with herbal tea, smoothies, fruit juices or milk. These drinks are sources of iron and/or calcium that interferes with the effectiveness of your medicine.
  • Even if you do have these drinks, ensure you have the antibiotics at least two hours after you have had the drink.
  • Some specific antibiotics like Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline and Tetracycline should not be consumed with food. It is advisable that you wait for at least two to four hours after you have had your meal to have your medication.

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:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Mild stomach-ache
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloating and indigestion
  • Allergic reactions like wheezing, coughing and increased heart beats

You should seek medical help if you experience the following side-effects:

  • Severe stomach ache and diarrhoea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, eyes, tongue)
  • Vaginal itching

Consult your doctor before having antibiotics if you are prescribed the following drugs:

  • Oral contraceptive pills
  • Blood thinning medication
  • Medicines for diabetes like insulin
  • Antacids for acidity and GERD
  • Medication for migraine
  • Anti-cholesterol drugs
  • Antidepressants
  • Vitamin supplements

Precautions while taking antibiotics:

  • Do not use leftover antibiotics.
  • An incomplete dose of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance
  • Women should avoid combining them with oral contraceptive pills
  • Inform your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic in the past
  • You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so that they prescribe a suitable antibiotic for you.

References:

  • Antibiotics By Christine Zuchora-Walske
  • Antibiotics--NHS
  • Pharmacogenomics Drug Disposition, Drug Targets, and Side Effects. William E. Evans, Pharm.D., and Howard L. McLeod, Pharm.D.N Engl J Med 2003; 348:538-549 February 6, 2003. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra020526.

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