What are the side effects of IV antibiotics? How can home intravenous antibiotic therapy impact your health? Learn about the risks and potential complications of IV antibiotics.

Overview of IV Antibiotics and Their Side Effects

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are a critical tool in the medical arsenal for treating serious bacterial infections. While these medications can be lifesaving, they also carry the potential for significant side effects. Understanding the possible complications of IV antibiotic therapy is essential for patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively.

Common Side Effects of IV Antibiotics

Like any medication, IV antibiotics can cause a range of side effects, some of which are more common than others. The most frequently reported side effects of IV antibiotics include:

Digestive Issues

Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are among the most prevalent side effects of IV antibiotics. These issues can arise from the disruption of the body’s normal gut flora by the antibiotic treatment.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain IV antibiotics, particularly penicillin and cephalosporin-based medications. Symptoms can range from mild rashes and hives to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

The use of IV antibiotics can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), resulting in antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This condition can be serious and may require immediate medical attention.

Rare but Serious Side Effects of IV Antibiotics

In addition to the more common side effects, IV antibiotics can also cause rare but potentially severe complications, including:

Tendon, Muscle, and Nerve Damage

Certain classes of IV antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, have been linked to disabling, long-lasting or permanent side effects affecting the joints, muscles, and nervous system.

Cardiac Complications

Some IV antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones, can increase the risk of heart valve problems and other cardiac issues, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Skin Sensitivity to Light

Tetracycline-based IV antibiotics can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and artificial light sources, increasing the risk of sunburns and photosensitivity reactions.

Home Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy: Risks and Considerations

In some cases, patients may be able to receive IV antibiotic treatment at home, known as home intravenous antibiotic therapy (HIVAT). While this can be a convenient and cost-effective option, it also carries its own set of risks and considerations:

Infection Risk

Improper administration or poor hygiene during the IV infusion process can increase the risk of developing a serious infection at the IV site or bloodstream infection (sepsis).

Medication Adherence

Ensuring proper medication adherence and monitoring for side effects may be more challenging in a home setting, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.

Access to Medical Care

Patients receiving HIVAT may have limited access to immediate medical care in the event of an adverse reaction or complication, which can be a significant concern.

Reporting Antibiotic Side Effects

Patients and healthcare providers should report any suspected side effects from antibiotics, including IV antibiotics, through the Yellow Card Scheme, a program run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. This helps in the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of medication safety.

Conclusion

IV antibiotics are a vital tool in modern medicine, but they also carry the risk of significant side effects, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Patients and healthcare providers must be vigilant in monitoring for adverse reactions and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary. Additionally, the decision to pursue home intravenous antibiotic therapy should be carefully weighed against the potential risks and benefits. By understanding the side effects of IV antibiotics and taking appropriate precautions, healthcare professionals can help ensure the safe and effective use of these important medications.

Antibiotics – Side effects – NHS

Antibiotics can have side effects such as diarrhoea and feeling sick.

These side effects are usually mild and should pass once you finish your course of treatment.

If you get any additional side effects, contact your GP or the doctor in charge of your care for advice.

Antibiotic allergic reactions

Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and cephalosporins.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild to moderate and can take the form of:

• a raised, itchy skin rash (urticaria, or hives)
• coughing
• wheezing
• tightness of the throat, which can cause breathing difficulties

These mild to moderate allergic reactions can usually be successfully treated by taking antihistamines.

But if you’re concerned, or your symptoms do not get better with treatment, call your GP for advice. If you cannot contact your GP, call NHS 111.

In rare cases, an antibiotic can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• you have a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you’re wheezing
• you have tightness in your chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Tetracyclines and sensitivity to light

Tetracyclines can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and artificial sources of light, such as sun lamps and sunbeds.

Avoid prolonged exposure to bright light while taking these medicines.

Fluoroquinolones

Severe aches and pains

In very rare cases, fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause disabling, long-lasting or permanent side effects affecting the joints, muscles and nervous system.

Stop taking fluoroquinolone treatment straight away and see your GP if you get a serious side effect including:

• tendon, muscle or joint pain – usually in the knee, elbow or shoulder
• tingling, numbness or pins and needles

Heart problems

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious side effects in people who are at risk of heart valve problems.

Stop taking fluoroquinolone treatment straight away and see your GP if you get a serious side effect including:

• swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)
• new heart palpitations (heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable)
• sudden shortness of breath

Reporting side effects

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you’re taking.

It’s run by a medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Page last reviewed: 11 November 2022
Next review due: 11 November 2025

Side effects of antibiotics

Healthcare practitioners prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects of taking antibiotics are not life threatening. However, antibiotics may cause severe side effects in some people that require medical attention.

Antibiotics are generally safe, and doctors prescribe them to stop the growth of bacteria; for example, to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and certain skin infections.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause most upper respiratory infections, the common cold, or COVID-19.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.

However, antibiotics can cause side effects, ranging from minor to severe to life threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 medication-related emergency room visits are due to antibiotic side effects.

Anyone experiencing a severe antibiotic side effect should consult with a healthcare professional. A person experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or tightness in the throat, should call 911.

This article explores common and rare side effects of antibiotics, including long term side effects and when to consult a doctor.

Learn more about bacteria here.

Whenever a person takes an antibiotic, they may experience some common side effects, such as:

Digestive problems

Digestive symptoms may include:

• nausea
• indigestion
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloating or feeling full
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain or cramping

Sometimes, a person needs to take antibiotics with food; other times, they need to take them on an empty stomach. A person can speak with their doctor or a pharmacist about how best to take their antibiotic.

Most digestive problems go away once a person stops taking the antibiotic.

Persons with digestive side effects, such as bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or uncontrollable vomiting, should stop taking their antibiotics and immediately contact a doctor.

Learn more about other common digestive disorders here.

Fungal infection

Antibiotics are drugs that kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections and upset the natural balance of the body’s natural flora.

As a result of this imbalance, taking antibiotics may lead to a fungal (candida) infection of the mouth, digestive tract, or vagina.

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush.

Symptoms of thrush may include:

• white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
• pain while eating or swallowing
• bleeding with tooth brushing

Doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications such as nystatin to treat fungal infections.

Learn more about the gut microbiota here.

UTI antibiotics and yeast infections

Treating a UTI with antibiotics can sometimes lead to a vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection may include:

• vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness
• pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing
• abdominal or pelvic pain
• blood in the urine
• white-to-grey lumpy vaginal discharge
• fever and chills

Doctors often prescribe the antifungal drug fluconazole to treat yeast infections caused by UTI antibiotics.

Learn more about the safety of having sex and a UTI.

Drug interactions

Certain may interact with a person’s other medicines or supplements.

The symptoms of drug interactions range from mild to life threatening. Some common warning signs after taking the medication include:

• feeling nauseous
• feeling either very tired or very energetic

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), drug interactions may make an antibiotic less effective or increase the action of a particular drug.

It is generally a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Drinking alcohol while on certain antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness and increase the chance of antibiotic side effects.

Antibiotics that may interact with alcohol include:

• doxycycline
• erythromycin
• metronidazole
• tinidazole
• isoniazid

To help avoid antibiotic drug interactions, people should always review newly prescribed medications with their doctor or pharmacist. Patient education inserts also list any drugs that might interact with the prescribed antibiotic.

Learn more about alcohol and antibiotics here.

Photosensitivity

Certain medications, including antibiotics, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This is a condition called photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity symptoms include:

• discoloration of the skin, similar to the effects of sunburn
• inflammation
• itching
• blisters that resemble hives
• dry patches

Some antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity include ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and levofloxacin.

While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:

• avoid prolonged periods of light exposure, especially between the hours of 10.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.
• use a broad sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or above when outdoors, even on cloudy days
• wear protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses to limit sun exposure

Anyone who experiences extreme sensitivity to the sun while taking antibiotics should talk with a doctor.

Learn about sunburn on dark skin here.

Staining

Research suggests that people who take tetracycline develop stains on their skin, nails, teeth, and bones. Doctors consider this a known but rare side effect of prolonged tetracycline use.

Teeth staining is irreversible in adults because their teeth do not regrow or change. However, as bones remodel themselves continuously, it is possible to reverse the staining.

A person should talk with a doctor about switching medications if taking antibiotics causes tooth discoloration or staining.

Learn more about stained teeth here.

Some of the more serious side effects associated with antibiotics include:

Anaphylaxis

In rare cases, antibiotics can cause an extremely severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• a rapid heartbeat, when a person’s resting heartbeat is greater than 60–100 beats per minute
• hives or a red, itchy rash
• feelings of uneasiness and agitation
• tingling sensations and dizziness
• swelling of the face, mouth, and throat
• rapid swelling of the lips or under the skin
• severe wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
• low blood pressure
• fainting
• seizures

Anaphylaxis can be fatal without immediate emergency care. If people suspect anaphylaxis, they should dial the emergency services or go to the emergency room right away.

Learn more about the symptoms of anaphylactic shock here.

Clostridium difficile-induced colitis

C. difficile is a type of bacteria that can infect the large intestine and cause C. difficile-induced colitis, which causes intestinal inflammation and severe diarrhea.

Doctors find C-difficile-induced colitis challenging to treat because the bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics available.

Severe, chronic, or untreated cases of C-difficile-induced colitis can lead to death.

Anyone who has any concerns about developing an antimicrobial-resistant infection when taking antibiotics should talk with a doctor.

Learn more about antimicrobial resistance here.

Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance happens when germs develop the ability to overcome the antibiotic’s ability to kill them. That means the germs continue to grow.

Some infections caused by an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria do not respond to any available antibiotics. Antibacterial-resistant infections can be severe and potentially life threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 2.8 million people in the United States contract antibiotic-resistant bacteria or fungi each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.

There are certain ways to help reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, including:

• helping prevent the spread of infections by getting appropriate vaccinations, proper hand-washing, and staying home when sick
• following safe food preparation steps
• taking antibiotics exactly as the doctor prescribes if you need them
• talking with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to feel better if the infection does not require antibiotics
• never taking antibiotics that a doctor has prescribed for someone else
• never using leftover antibiotics or saving extra antibiotics
• returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy or putting them in the trash

Learn how to dispose of medications safely here.

Kidney disease

According to the National Kidney Foundation, the kidneys clear many antibiotic medications.

When the kidneys are not working correctly, these medications can build up and lead to further kidney damage.

Doctors often check kidney function blood tests before prescribing antibiotics for individuals with kidney disease.

Learn about kidney failure here.

According to a study, long term side effects of antibiotics in adult females have links to changes in the gut microbiota. This change has links to risks of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

This study also states that the length of antibiotic exposure may be a risk factor for premature death.

Additional research also found that prolonged exposure to antibiotic therapy has associations with an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues in premature babies, late-onset sepsis, or death among very low birth weight infants.

Learn more about sepsis in babies here.

A doctor will usually confirm whether a person has a sensitivity or allergy to a particular antibiotic and will likely prescribe an alternative.

If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic, but the symptoms persist after a few days of taking it, a person should also consult a doctor.

However, anyone who has a severe side effect or allergic reaction while taking antibiotics should immediately stop taking the medications and seek medical attention.

Antibiotics are prescription medications that kill or prevent bacteria from growing. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat or skin infections.

Antibiotics commonly produce side effects that range from mild to severe, so a person should only take them when a doctor deems them necessary.

People should report any antibiotic side effects to their doctor or healthcare professional.

Antibiotic elimination time from the body: what you need to know

Antibiotic elimination time depends on various factors, including the type of drug, dosage, metabolic characteristics of the patient. Find out how long the elimination process of an antibiotic can take and what factors can affect its speed.

Antibiotics are one of the most common and effective medicines for fighting infectious diseases. However, in order for the antibiotic to be able to completely remove pathogenic bacteria from the body, it is necessary to take into account the timing of its removal. As a rule, the antibiotic remains in the body for a certain time after the end of the dose, which can affect the effectiveness of its action and cause various side effects.

The timing of the elimination of an antibiotic from the body depends on several factors, including the type of drug, dosage, route of administration, and the general condition of the patient. Some antibiotics are cleared from the body fairly quickly, within hours or days, while others can remain in the body for weeks or even months.

It is important to remember that the misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance and weaken the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, it is very important to follow the recommendations of the doctor regarding the dosage and timing of taking the antibiotic, as well as to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms of the disease have disappeared.

Remember that self-treatment with antibiotics can be dangerous to your health and the health of others. Before starting antibiotic treatment, be sure to consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

How long does it take to clear an antibiotic from the body?

The elimination time of an antibiotic from the body depends on several factors, including the type of antibiotic, dosage, route of administration, and individual characteristics of the organism. Antibiotics are usually cleared from the body within hours or days.

Some antibiotics are eliminated from the body faster, within a few hours. Others may stay in the body longer, up to several days. The elimination time may also depend on the function of the kidneys and liver, since these organs play an important role in the processing and elimination of drugs.

When choosing an antibiotic and determining the duration of its use, it is important to take into account the instructions for the drug, doctor’s recommendations and follow the indicated dosage. Incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to insufficient concentration of the drug in the body or, conversely, to its accumulation, which can lead to side effects and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

It is important to remember that even after you stop taking an antibiotic, its residues may remain in the body for some time. Therefore, if you need to use other drugs or if side effects occur, you should consult your doctor to avoid interaction with the antibiotic.

Duration of the process

The duration of the process of removing the antibiotic from the body depends on several factors. First of all, this is due to the type and dosage of the drug taken. Some antibiotics may stay in the body longer, especially if they have a long half-life.

The function of the kidneys and liver also influences the duration of the process. If these organs work normally, then the antibiotic will be excreted from the body faster. However, in case of impaired renal or hepatic function, the elimination time of the drug may increase significantly.

The method of antibiotic application also plays an important role. For example, when taking the drug in the form of tablets or capsules, the elimination time may be longer than when administered intramuscularly or intravenously. This is due to the fact that when taken through the digestive system, the drug must go through a series of stages of digestion until its active components enter the bloodstream and begin to act.

In general, the duration of the process of removing the antibiotic from the body can vary from several hours to several days. For each specific drug, you should refer to the instructions or consult with your doctor to find out the exact timing of the withdrawal and ways to speed up this process, if necessary.

Factors affecting the timing

The timing of the elimination of an antibiotic from the body may depend on several factors that affect its metabolism and excretion from the body.

The first factor is the physiological characteristics of the organism. Each person has their own individual metabolic rate, which can affect the rate of elimination of the antibiotic. It is also important to take into account the age of the patient, his gender, the presence of chronic diseases and the state of the immune system.

Another factor is the type of antibiotic. Different antibiotics may have different half-lives, that is, the time during which the concentration of an antibiotic in the body is halved. Some antibiotics can be eliminated from the body in a few hours, while others can remain in the body for several days.

Also, the timing of the elimination of the antibiotic can be affected by its metabolic pathways. Antibiotics can be metabolized in the liver or excreted through the kidneys. If the function of the liver or kidneys is impaired, then this can slow down the process of removing the antibiotic from the body.

In addition, it is important to take into account the correct use of the antibiotic. If the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations on the frequency and duration of taking the antibiotic, this can lead to accumulation of the drug in the body and slow down its excretion.

Influence of dosage

The dosage of an antibiotic plays an important role in the rate of elimination of the drug from the body. The higher the dosage, the faster the antibiotic will be metabolized and excreted from the body. However, it should be remembered that a high dosage may also lead to an increase in side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

At low doses, the antibiotic may be slowly metabolized and remain in the body for a longer time. This can lead to an insufficient concentration of the drug in the blood and reduce its effectiveness in fighting infection. Therefore, doctors recommend that you follow the indicated dosage and not change it without consulting a medical specialist.

It is important to note that the dosage of the antibiotic may vary depending on the age of the patient, the type of infection and its severity. Children and the elderly, as well as patients with a weakened immune system, are often prescribed lower dosages to avoid possible side effects and weaken the body.

Features of different antibiotics

Each antibiotic has its own unique pharmacokinetics, which determines its rate of elimination from the body. Some antibiotics can be rapidly metabolized and excreted through the kidneys, while others can remain in the body for a long time.

For example, amoxicillin, a widely used antibiotic, is usually eliminated from the body via the kidneys within 6-8 hours. This means that its dosage can be taken every 8 hours to maintain an effective concentration in the body.

On the other hand, azithromycin, which is also a popular antibiotic, can stay in the body for a long time, especially in tissues. Its elimination half-life from the body can take up to 68 hours. This allows you to take it in a more infrequent mode, for example, once a day.

Another example is ceftriaxone, which has a long half-life in the body, reaching 5-9 hours. This allows it to be used in the treatment of infections with a high concentration of the drug for a long time.

It is important to remember that the timing of elimination of antibiotics may vary depending on many factors such as age, liver and kidney function, and the presence of other drugs in the body. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist for accurate information about the timing of the withdrawal of a particular antibiotic.

The role of the liver and kidneys

The liver and kidneys play an important role in the elimination of antibiotics from the body. The liver is the main organ responsible for processing and metabolizing antibiotics. It breaks down antibiotics into simpler components, which can then be excreted from the body through the kidneys or bile.

The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste from the body. When antibiotics pass through the kidneys, they can be excreted in the urine. The kidneys also play an important role in regulating water and electrolyte levels in the body, which can affect the rate of elimination of antibiotics.

In general, the liver and kidneys play an important role in the elimination of antibiotics from the body. Understanding this role can help guide the development of appropriate dosing and individual patient considerations when prescribing antibiotics.

Effects of food and liquids

Foods and liquids that we take with antibiotics can affect how quickly the drug is eliminated from the body. Some foods and drinks can slow down or speed up this process.

Food:

• Fatty and heavy foods can slow down the absorption of the antibiotic into the blood, resulting in a slower removal of the drug from the body.
• Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices can speed up the elimination of the antibiotic from the body.
• Foods containing calcium (eg milk and dairy products) may interfere with antibiotic absorption and excretion.
• Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic and slow down its elimination from the body.

Liquids:

1. Water is the main component of urine, which plays an important role in the excretion of the antibiotic from the body. Therefore, regular consumption of a sufficient amount of water can contribute to a faster elimination of the drug.
2. Caffeine found in beverages such as coffee and tea may have a diuretic effect, increasing the elimination of the antibiotic from the body.
3. Carbonated drinks and alcohol can cause diuresis, which can also speed up the elimination of the antibiotic.

It is important to remember that the effect of food and fluids on the elimination of an antibiotic can be individual and depends on many factors, including the type of antibiotic, dosage, general body condition and other factors. Therefore, before using an antibiotic, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Withdrawal time in children and adults

Antibiotic elimination time from the body may differ between children and adults. In children, the metabolic process is faster, so the timing of the withdrawal of antibiotics from their body may be shorter. However, this does not mean that antibiotics should be used without restrictions in children.

Determining the timing of withdrawal of antibiotics in children and adults depends on many factors, including the type of antibiotic, dosage, liver and kidney status, and age of the patient. Some antibiotics can be rapidly eliminated from the body, while others may linger and remain active in tissues for longer.

It is important to remember that prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, when using antibiotics in children and adults, it is necessary to follow the dosage rules and prescribe them only when necessary. It is also recommended that you consult with your doctor to find out the exact timing of the withdrawal of a particular antibiotic and take all measures to prevent the development of resistance.

Q&A:

How long does an antibiotic stay in the body?

The elimination time of an antibiotic from the body depends on various factors, including the type of antibiotic, dosage, metabolic activity of the body, and the condition of the liver and kidneys. On average, the antibiotic is completely eliminated from the body in 5-10 days.

What factors can affect the withdrawal time of an antibiotic?

The elimination time of an antibiotic from the body can be affected by various factors, such as the age of the patient, the functional state of the liver and kidneys, the presence of other diseases, as well as the use of other drugs at the same time.

Is it possible to speed up the process of removing an antibiotic from the body?

In most cases, the process of removing the antibiotic from the body cannot be accelerated. However, there are several ways that can help the body process and eliminate the antibiotic more efficiently, such as drinking more water to increase urine output and speed up the elimination of the antibiotic through the kidneys.

Can prolonged use of antibiotics lead to their accumulation in the body?

Yes, prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to accumulation in the body. This can be especially problematic for antibiotics that are metabolized in the liver or excreted through the kidneys. Therefore, it is recommended to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and duration of antibiotics.

What can happen if you stop taking antibiotics early?

Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to inadequate bacterial killing and antibiotic resistance. This can lead to recurrence and complicate future treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to always complete the course of antibiotics to the end, even if the symptoms of the disease have already disappeared.

Can antibiotics cause side effects after they stop taking them?

The length of time an antibiotic remains in the body depends on various factors, including the type of antibiotic, dosage, the individual’s metabolic pattern, and organ function. Antibiotics are usually cleared from the body within a few days, but some may stay in the body for longer, especially if the person has kidney or liver problems. It is best to consult with your doctor to find out the exact time of withdrawal of the antibiotic from the body in your particular case.

Can antibiotics be taken at the same time as other medicines?

Some antibiotics can interact with other medicines, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking antibiotics. They can tell you about possible interactions and recommend changing the dosage or timing of your medications to avoid unwanted effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and increase their side effects. In addition, alcohol can have a negative effect on the immune system, making recovery difficult. If in doubt, it is best to consult your doctor.

What if I miss an antibiotic?

If you miss an antibiotic, it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you what to do in your particular case. You may be advised to take the missed dose, but this may not be desirable in some cases. In any case, do not double the dosage to make up for a missed dose without consulting a specialist.

Importance of following your doctor’s advice

Following your doctor’s advice is an important part of successful antibiotic treatment. Improper use of the drug can lead to undesirable consequences and complications of the disease.

The doctor prescribes an antibiotic in a certain dosage and for a certain number of days. Compliance with these recommendations allows you to achieve maximum effectiveness of the drug. With the premature termination of the course of treatment, the resumption of infection is possible, and if it is continued for a longer time than recommended, resistance of microorganisms to the antibiotic may occur.

It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking antibiotics. Some medications should be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be taken with food. Violation of these recommendations may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or cause side effects.

Your doctor can also make recommendations about the compatibility of the antibiotic with other drugs or food. Some antibiotics interact with certain drugs or foods, which can cause the drug to not work as well or cause side effects. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor and not to take the antibiotic together with illegal drugs or products.

Related videos:

Antibiotics without side effects. How to take these medicines correctly?

USEFUL ARTICLES

What to eat an antibiotic with? What products will get rid of the side effects of drugs

What is the microbiota

Broad-spectrum antibiotics primarily affect the intestinal microflora. This is a community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract. It is from them that the state of our health largely depends, for example, strong immunity. The “good” bacteria living in the intestines simply do not allow pathogenic microorganisms to “attach” to the cells of our body and thereby protect us from various infections.

Depending on the state of the microbiota at the time the course of antibiotics is prescribed, the effect of drugs on the condition of people will be different. For example, there is such a thing as bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO), when opportunistic bacteria and fungi multiply excessively in the intestines. Most often this happens due to errors in nutrition. Antibiotics will not affect fungi, but against the background of taking such drugs, both the number of beneficial bacteria and opportunistic microbes may decrease. And here there are two options. If initially there were few fungi in the microflora, a person either will not encounter side effects of antibiotics at all, or will feel better. At least the patient will decrease gas formation in the intestines. But if there was an overabundance of fungi in the microflora, the death of beneficial microorganisms will lead to a decrease in immunity and the fungi will begin to multiply especially actively. As a result, fungal diseases, such as thrush, may appear. This happens especially often if a person actively leans on simple carbohydrates (sweets, white bread), which provoke the growth of harmful microorganisms and fungi.

If everything was normal with the microbiota before a person started taking antibiotics, the drugs can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. The fact is that beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the intestines are needed not only for strong immunity, but also for the digestion of food. If they die, it threatens with indigestion, diarrhea. In most cases, these troubles appear on the 2-3rd day of taking antibiotics.

Microbiota – a community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract. It is from them that the state of our health largely depends, for example, strong immunity. The “good” bacteria living in the intestines simply do not allow pathogenic microorganisms to “attach” to the cells of our body and thereby protect us from various infections.

Foods not to be eaten!

To prevent antibiotics from harming your health, you will have to give up certain foods during treatment, primarily alcohol. After all, alcohol, in fact, is a poison for our cells. Yes, in a small amount it is also formed in our body, in the intestines when bacteria break down plant foods. And a healthy person can cope with small doses of this substance. But against the background of the disease, when the body is affected not only by viruses and bacteria, but also by antibiotics, alcohol intake is a blow to the detoxification system. She simply cannot stand this, and then problems with the liver cannot be avoided.

Another drink that we have to say goodbye to for a while is milk. Calcium contained in dairy products reacts with the components of antibacterial drugs, thereby deactivating them. As a result, the drugs simply won’t work. In addition, milk reduces the number of beneficial bacteria, and against the background of dysbiosis (imbalance between beneficial and conditionally pathogenic microflora), the ability to digest lactose, milk sugar, worsens. Therefore, in combination with milk, antibiotics can lead to fermentation in the intestines and bloating.

Also, while taking medication, it is worth minimizing the amount of carbohydrate foods, especially simple carbohydrates. As we have said, they can provoke the growth of opportunistic microflora.

Refuse spicy, fried, peppered foods – such food irritates the stomach mucosa, which is not in the best condition due to antibiotics. Fat should also be kept to a minimum – fatty foods overload the liver.

Nutrition while taking antibiotics should include foods that protect the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, and also support our friendly microflora. First of all, these are vegetables in which there is a lot of fiber (it is dietary fiber that serves as food for beneficial microflora). It can be celery, zucchini, eggplant, greens. You can include some fruits in the menu – too much of them is not recommended due to the rather high sugar content. But both vegetables and fruits need to be thermally processed (boiled, stewed, baked) – fermented fiber is faster and easier to digest by bacteria.

Do not forget about strong meat broths – they help protect and restore the intestinal mucosa. It is no coincidence that they are so often used in clinical nutrition.

Do not drink wine and milk!

Recovery

After taking antibiotics, you need to return to your usual diet gradually. On average, it takes 7-10 days. During treatment, the enzyme system suffers due to intoxication, so you should not overload the stomach. To begin with, gradually start eating raw vegetables and fruits, add some animal protein to the diet, gradually increase the amount of fat. At the recovery stage, be sure to include in the menu special fermented milk products enriched with beneficial microorganisms (the very “live” yogurts and kefir). Such fermented milk products should be consumed within a month after taking antibiotics.

And don’t be afraid that beneficial microorganisms contained in yogurt will die in gastric juice. Indeed, for most bacteria, the acidic environment of the stomach is detrimental. But strains resistant to the action of gastric juice are added to fermented milk products. Just keep in mind that yogurt or kefir is better to drink after a meal, when the stomach is full of food. In this case, most of the beneficial bacteria will reach the intestines unharmed.

Purge is cancelled!

Since antibiotics create an excessive load on the liver, there is an opinion that after treatment it is worth “cleaning” it with the help of various means. Tubazhi are especially popular – the reception of heated vegetable oil in combination with a heating pad on the right side.