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.

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.

8 side effects of taking antibiotics that even doctors rarely talk about / AdMe

The most common side effects of taking antibiotics are nausea and diarrhea. Almost everyone knows about them – either from doctors or from their own experience. But American scientists have found that at least 20% of people who have taken antibiotics at least once in their lives experienced other side effects from drugs. It is about them that we will tell in this article.

We are in ADME We want to emphasize that different people may experience different side effects from taking medications. You can always find a complete list of them in the instructions for the drug.

1. Sun sensitivity

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Some antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and sulfones) can affect how your skin reacts to UV radiation. Too much sunlight while taking medication can increase the chance of burning or severe skin flaking.

These same antibiotics can cause a rash even if the person has been in the sun for only 15 minutes.

• What to do?

It is better not to be in the sun between 10 a. m. and 2 p.m., use sunscreen and hide your skin under clothing.

2. Headache or dizziness

Headache and dizziness are two other common complaints of people who take antibiotics. But usually they disappear after the completion of the course of treatment.

• What to do?

If your head hurts a little, you can take painkillers. If the pain is unbearable, then it is better to consult a doctor. Most likely, he will change the antibiotic.

3. Fever

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Fever can be a side effect of more than just antibiotics. If it manifested itself against their background, then, , you may have an allergic reaction to the medicine, which is accompanied by a fever . Otherwise, it is a separate and unpleasant side effect.

Fever can occur with almost any antibiotic, but is most commonly associated with beta-lactams, cephalexin, minocycline, and sulfonamide.

• What to do?

If you get a fever while taking an antibiotic, it will most likely go away on its own pretty soon. But if the fever is strong and lasts too long, you need to try to bring it down and contact your doctor to change the antibiotic.

4. Fungal infection

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Antibiotics change the bacterial environment of our bodies, making us vulnerable to fungi. They can occur in the mouth (stomatitis), on the skin or under the nails.

• What to do?

If your doctor has prescribed you a long course of treatment, it is better to start taking antifungal drugs immediately along with antibiotics.

5. Heart problems

This is rare, but antibiotics can cause heart problems. They usually lead to arrhythmia or low blood pressure.

These side effects are most commonly caused by erythromycin and some fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin.

• What to do?

See a doctor to change the antibiotic.

6. Teeth staining

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Tetracycline antibiotics may cause staining or discoloration of teeth in children under 8 years of age . And if you take them during pregnancy, then there is a high chance that the newborn baby will have problems with tooth enamel.

• What to do?

Recently, scientists have found that the more modern antibiotic doxycycline (from the tetracycline group) does not bind to calcium so strongly that it does not cause tooth staining. Therefore, it can be taken without fear of such consequences. But, of course, only on doctor’s orders.

7. Allergy

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One of the most dangerous reactions of the body to antibiotics is an allergy. In this case, a person may develop an itchy rash, swelling of the eyelids, lips, tongue and even throat, leading to anaphylaxis . Sometimes in such situations, a dose of adrenaline received in an ambulance can save the patient.

But an allergic reaction to a single antibiotic does not mean that you should not take them at all.

• What to do?

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies and take other antibiotics. Also, be careful when you start taking a new medicine that you have never tried before. At the first symptoms of an allergy, you should consult a doctor or an ambulance.

8. Unwanted pregnancy

©Depositphotos

If you take the antibiotic rifamycin and oral contraceptives at the same time, the effectiveness of the latter decreases. As a result, the chance of an unwanted pregnancy increases. Other antibiotics reduce the effect of oral contraceptives to a lesser extent.

• What to do?

Use an additional barrier method of contraception while taking antibiotics and for a week after completing the course. More information about the terms of additional protection is written in the instructions for oral contraceptives.

If you experience any of the side effects while taking antibiotics, do not self-medicate, do not ignore feeling unwell. Be sure to go to the doctor and consult.

Were you aware of any of these side effects of medications?

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Bright Side/Science/8 Antibiotic Side Effects Even Doctors Rarely Tell About

Blog | When to use antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent certain types of bacterial infections. Antibiotics kill bacteria or prevent their spread, but they are not effective for everyone.

Many mild bacterial infections clear up on their own without the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu. Antibiotics are no longer used routinely in the treatment of certain diseases. Doctors’ advice should be followed as to whether antibiotics are needed. Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can render them useless when antibiotics are actually needed in the future.

When should antibiotics be used?

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections in the following situations:

• If you are unlikely to get well without antibiotics.

• If there is a possibility of infecting others.

• If left untreated, recovery will take too long.

• If you are at risk for more serious complications.

Antibiotic therapy, known as antibiotic prophylaxis, may be given to people at high risk of infection as a precautionary measure.

How are antibiotics used?

Antibiotics should be taken as directed on the package leaflet or package leaflet that comes with the medicine, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Antibiotics can take the following forms:

• Antibiotics in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid to drink: These can be used to treat most mild to moderate types of infections in the body.

• Antibiotic creams, lotions, sprays, and drops: These are often used to treat skin, eye, or ear infections.

• Antibiotics by injection: These can be injected or dripped directly into the blood or muscle and used for more serious infections.

What if I forget to take an antibiotic dose?

If you forget to take a dose of an antibiotic, you should read the patient information leaflet that came with your medicine to find out what to do. If a person still does not know what to do, they should consult a pharmacist or family doctor.

In most cases, the missed dose can be taken as soon as remembered, and then the course of antibiotics is continued as usual. If the next dose is too close, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not take a double dose of antibiotics to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if an extra dose is taken unintentionally?

The risk of side effects is increased if a person accidentally takes an additional dose than was recommended. Taking an extra dose of an antibiotic by mistake is unlikely to cause serious harm to a person, but will increase the chance of side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

If a person has accidentally taken more than 1 extra dose of an antibiotic, is worried about it, or is experiencing serious side effects, they should see a doctor or call an ambulance as soon as possible.

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

Like all medicines, antibiotics can cause some side effects. Most antibiotics do not cause problems when used correctly, and serious side effects are rare.

Common side effects of antibiotics include:

• Vomiting,

• Nausea,

• Bloating and indigestion

• Diarrhea.

Allergic reactions due to use of antibiotics

Some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and another type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin. Very rarely, this can lead to a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that is a medical emergency.

Call the Emergency Center or Emergency Department if:

• If you have a skin rash that is itchy, red, swollen, blistering, or peeling.

• If you are breathing with a wheeze.

• If you feel tightness in your chest or throat.

• If you have difficulty breathing or speaking.

• If your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat begin to swell.

If these symptoms are present, the person may have a severe allergic reaction and may need emergency care in a hospital.

How should pregnant and lactating women use antibiotics?

Some antibiotics are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If a girl is pregnant or breastfeeding, she should talk to her doctor so he can prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic. A person should only use antibiotics prescribed for him, never borrowing antibiotics from others. Some antibiotics do not interact well with certain other medications, such as birth control pills and alcohol. The instructions for use that come with the medicine should be read carefully and the person should discuss their concerns with their pharmacist or doctor.

What types of antibiotics are there?

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but most can be divided into 6 groups:

• Penicillins (such as penicillin, amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, flucloxacillin, and phenoxymethylpenicillin): commonly used to treat a variety of infections, including skin infections. infections, chest infections and urinary tract infections.

• cephalosporins (eg cephalexin): used to treat a wide range of infections, but some are also effective in treating more serious infections such as sepsis and meningitis.

• aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin and tobramycin): because they can cause serious side effects, including hearing loss and kidney damage, they are often used in hospitals to treat very serious illnesses such as sepsis and are usually given by injection . They can also be given as drops for some ear or eye infections.

• Tetracyclines (such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and lymecycline): These can be used to treat a wide range of infections, but are often used to treat acne and a skin condition called rosacea. Tetracyclines can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, powerful lamps, and artificial light sources such as tanning beds. Prolonged exposure to bright light should be avoided while taking these drugs.

• macrolides (such as azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin): These may be particularly useful for treating lung and chest infections or as an alternative for people allergic to penicillin or for treating penicillin-resistant bacterial strains.

• Fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin): Broad-spectrum antibiotics that were once used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections. These antibiotics are no longer used routinely due to the risk of serious side effects.

Among other antibiotics; chloramphenicol (used for eye and ear infections), fusidic acid (used for skin and eye infections), nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim (used for urinary tract infections).

Important notes about fluoroquinone antibiotics

Fluoroquinolones can cause severe pain. In very rare cases, fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause disabling, long-term, or permanent side effects that affect the joints, muscles, and nervous system. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious side effects in people at risk for heart valve problems. People with the following symptoms should stop taking fluoroquinolones immediately and discuss this with their doctor:

• If you have pain in your tendons, muscles, or joints, usually in your knee, elbow, or shoulder.

• If you have tingling, numbness, or feeling like pins and needles.

• Swelling of the ankles, feet and legs.

• New palpitations (palpitations that suddenly become more pronounced).

• Sudden shortness of breath.

When are antibiotics used?

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent certain types of bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics should only be prescribed to treat relevant health problems. These problems can be:

• Pimples that are not serious but are unlikely to go away without antibiotics.

• Illnesses that are not serious but can be passed on to others if not treated quickly. For example, the skin infection impetigo or chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease.

• Situations where evidence suggests that antibiotics can significantly speed up recovery. For example, a kidney infection.

• Conditions with a risk of more serious complications such as cellulitis or pneumonia.

Antibiotics may also be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of an infection. This group may include:

• People over 75 years of age.

• Infants under 72 hours of age with a bacterial infection or at an above average risk of developing an infection.

• People with heart failure.

• People who need to take insulin to treat diabetes.

• People with a weakened immune system due to an underlying health condition such as HIV or a side effect of certain treatments such as chemotherapy.

Use of antibiotics to prevent infection (antibiotic as a prophylactic treatment)

Antibiotics may also sometimes be given to prevent infection rather than treat it. This is called antibiotic prophylaxis. Conditions for which antibiotics are prescribed as preventive therapy are:

• Before certain surgeries,

• After a bite or wound that could become infected,

• There is a health condition that means they are at a higher risk of infection, for example if the person has had their spleen removed or is undergoing chemotherapy.

Antibiotic prophylaxis before which operation?

If a person is undergoing surgery with a high risk of infection, antibiotics are recommended. For example, antibiotics may be given to people who are going to have the following surgeries:

• Certain types of eye surgery. For example, cataract surgery or glaucoma surgery.

• Joint replacement surgery.

• Breast augmentation surgery.

• Operations with pacemakers.

• Gallbladder removal surgery.

• Appendicitis surgery.

The surgeon will ask if the patient needs antibiotics, and this dose of antibiotic will be given to you in the hospital before the operation.

Use of antibiotics for bites or wounds

Antibiotics may be recommended for a wound that may become infected. This may be, for example, a bite from an animal or a person, or a wound that has come into contact with the ground or feces.

Medical use of antibiotics

Some people are particularly vulnerable to infections and require antibiotics. For example:

• People who have had their spleen removed.

• Those who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

• People with sickle cell anemia.

In some cases, antibiotics may also be given to people with recurrent, threatened, or increased risk of complications. For example:

• Cellulite.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Genital herpes.

• Rheumatic fever.

What are the interactions of antibiotics with other substances?

Antibiotics can sometimes interact with other drugs or substances. This means that they may have an effect that is different from what is expected. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it is safe to take other medicines with antibiotics.

Some antibiotics should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. It is always recommended to read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Alcohol should be avoided while taking medication. Some antibiotics may have side effects such as nausea or dizziness, and these effects may be exacerbated by drinking alcohol. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure if you should drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.

Drinking alcohol with metronidazole and tinidazole

It is best to avoid alcohol altogether when using the following types of antibiotics: x, infected leg ulcers and bedsores.

Tinidazole: an antibiotic sometimes used to treat most metronidazole-like infections and also to cleanse the intestines of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours after stopping metronidazole and for 72 hours after stopping tinidazole.

Drinking alcohol with metronidazole or tinidazole can cause many side effects, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• High fever

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

9000 2 • Headache

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness.

Use of alcohol with other antibiotics

It is best to avoid alcohol if the following antibiotics are used:

Linezolid: This drug may be affected by undistilled fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer.

Doxycycline: Alcohol can affect this drug and the drug may also be less effective in people who drink too much.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotics are no longer used to treat infections. The reasons for this are:

• Many infections are caused by viruses.