Side effects of antibiotics

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects associated with antibiotics are not life-threatening. In some cases, however, antibiotics can cause severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse reactions to antibiotics are responsible for 1 in 5 medication-related emergency room visits.

People should always talk with a doctor if antibiotics cause bothersome symptoms.

Call 911 and immediately stop taking antibiotics if side effects are severe or interfere with breathing.

People take antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. However, antibiotics may cause adverse side effects in some people.

Side effects may include:

1. Digestive problems

Issues with digestion are one of the most commonly reported side effects of taking antibiotics.

Symptoms of digestion problems include:

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

Most digestive problems go away once someone stops take an antibiotic.

Anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should stop taking the antibiotics and talk with a doctor.

Severe symptoms include:

• blood or mucus in stool
• severe diarrhea
• intense stomach cramping or pain
• fever
• uncontrollable vomiting

To decrease the risk of developing digestive issues, be sure to read the instructions that come with the medication.

2. Fungal infections

Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections.

As a result, many people taking antibiotics develop fungal infections in the:

People taking antibiotics or who have taken them and think they may have a fungal infection should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.

Antifungal medications treat fungal infections in most cases.

Symptoms of common fungal infections include:

• vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness
• pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing
• abnormal vaginal discharge, usually white-to-grey and lumpy
• fever and chills
• a white, thick coating in the mouth and throat
• pain while eating or swallowing
• white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
• loss of taste
• a cottony feeling in the mouth

3.

Drug interactions

Some common medications interact with certain antibiotics. These include:

People should always tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking to help avoid interactions. The pamphlet in the package should also list any drugs that might interact with that specific type of antibiotic.

4. Photosensitivity

Share on PinterestPeople should use sun protection when taking antibiotics that can cause photosensitive skin.

Many types of antibiotics make the skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive).

While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:

• avoid prolonged periods of light exposure
• always use high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens when in the sun
• wear protective clothing when in the sun, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants

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

5. Teeth and bone staining

Some estimates suggest that 3 to 6 percent of the people who take tetracycline develop stains on their teeth enamel. The staining is irreversible in adults because their teeth do not regrow or change.

Staining can also appear on some bones. However, bones are continuously remodeling themselves, so bone stains caused by antibiotics are typically reversible.

Talk to a doctor about switching medications if taking antibiotics causes tooth discoloration or staining.

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

1. Anaphylaxis

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

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• a rapid heartbeat
• hives or a red, itchy rash
• feelings of uneasiness and agitation
• tingling sensations and dizziness
• general itchiness and hives over large portions of the body
• swelling under the skin
• swelling of the mouth, throat, and face
• severe wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing
• low blood pressure
• fainting
• seizures

Anaphylaxis generally develops within 15 minutes of taking an antibiotic, but anaphylaxis can occur up to an hour or more after a dose.

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.

2.

Clostridium difficile-induced colitis

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

C-difficile-induced colitis is 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 to a doctor.

3. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics.

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.

Ways to help reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections include:

• taking prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
• always completing all antibiotic doses prescribed even if symptoms have gone away
• never taking antibiotics prescribed to someone else
• never taking antibiotics that are out-of-date or old
• talking with a doctor about alternatives to antibiotics
• only using antibiotics when necessary for bacterial infections
• making sure that older people or those with disabilities have someone who can help them take their medications correctly
• not taking antibiotics for symptoms of the common cold or flu, such as a runny nose, cough, or wheezing
• avoiding use of antibiotics frequently or for extended periods unless necessary
• returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy or putting them in the regular trash
• never flushing unused or extra antibiotics down the toilet or a drain
• never breaking up or crushing antibiotic pills or tablets
• avoiding fruit and fruit juices, dairy, and alcohol for 3 hours after taking an antibiotic dose

4.

Kidney failure

The kidneys are responsible for removing toxins, including medications, from the blood and body through urine. Antibiotics can overburden and damage the kidneys in people with kidney conditions.

As people age, their kidneys also naturally become less effective. Doctors will often prescribe older people or people with kidney conditions lower doses of antibiotics to begin with.

Anyone who has a severe reaction of any kind to antibiotics should immediately stop taking the medications and seek medical attention.

People who experience unpleasant side effects should also tell their doctor about symptoms.

People are often only sensitive or allergic to a specific type or family of antibiotics.

A doctor can usually prescribe a different type of antibiotic if someone is sensitive or allergic to one kind. If a person’s symptoms are mild, a doctor may decide they can continue taking the antibiotic if the benefits outweigh the side effects.

A doctor should assess more severe side effects of antibiotics as soon as symptoms appear.

Side effects of antibiotics

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects associated with antibiotics are not life-threatening. In some cases, however, antibiotics can cause severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse reactions to antibiotics are responsible for 1 in 5 medication-related emergency room visits.

People should always talk with a doctor if antibiotics cause bothersome symptoms.

Call 911 and immediately stop taking antibiotics if side effects are severe or interfere with breathing.

People take antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. However, antibiotics may cause adverse side effects in some people.

Side effects may include:

1. Digestive problems

Issues with digestion are one of the most commonly reported side effects of taking antibiotics.

Symptoms of digestion problems include:

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

Most digestive problems go away once someone stops take an antibiotic.

Anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should stop taking the antibiotics and talk with a doctor.

Severe symptoms include:

• blood or mucus in stool
• severe diarrhea
• intense stomach cramping or pain
• fever
• uncontrollable vomiting

To decrease the risk of developing digestive issues, be sure to read the instructions that come with the medication.

2. Fungal infections

Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections.

As a result, many people taking antibiotics develop fungal infections in the:

People taking antibiotics or who have taken them and think they may have a fungal infection should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.

Antifungal medications treat fungal infections in most cases.

Symptoms of common fungal infections include:

• vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness
• pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing
• abnormal vaginal discharge, usually white-to-grey and lumpy
• fever and chills
• a white, thick coating in the mouth and throat
• pain while eating or swallowing
• white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
• loss of taste
• a cottony feeling in the mouth

3.

Drug interactions

Some common medications interact with certain antibiotics. These include:

People should always tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking to help avoid interactions. The pamphlet in the package should also list any drugs that might interact with that specific type of antibiotic.

4. Photosensitivity

Share on PinterestPeople should use sun protection when taking antibiotics that can cause photosensitive skin.

Many types of antibiotics make the skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive).

While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:

• avoid prolonged periods of light exposure
• always use high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens when in the sun
• wear protective clothing when in the sun, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants

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

5. Teeth and bone staining

Some estimates suggest that 3 to 6 percent of the people who take tetracycline develop stains on their teeth enamel. The staining is irreversible in adults because their teeth do not regrow or change.

Staining can also appear on some bones. However, bones are continuously remodeling themselves, so bone stains caused by antibiotics are typically reversible.

Talk to a doctor about switching medications if taking antibiotics causes tooth discoloration or staining.

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

1. Anaphylaxis

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

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• a rapid heartbeat
• hives or a red, itchy rash
• feelings of uneasiness and agitation
• tingling sensations and dizziness
• general itchiness and hives over large portions of the body
• swelling under the skin
• swelling of the mouth, throat, and face
• severe wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing
• low blood pressure
• fainting
• seizures

Anaphylaxis generally develops within 15 minutes of taking an antibiotic, but anaphylaxis can occur up to an hour or more after a dose.

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.

2.

Clostridium difficile-induced colitis

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

C-difficile-induced colitis is 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 to a doctor.

3. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics.

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.

Ways to help reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections include:

• taking prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
• always completing all antibiotic doses prescribed even if symptoms have gone away
• never taking antibiotics prescribed to someone else
• never taking antibiotics that are out-of-date or old
• talking with a doctor about alternatives to antibiotics
• only using antibiotics when necessary for bacterial infections
• making sure that older people or those with disabilities have someone who can help them take their medications correctly
• not taking antibiotics for symptoms of the common cold or flu, such as a runny nose, cough, or wheezing
• avoiding use of antibiotics frequently or for extended periods unless necessary
• returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy or putting them in the regular trash
• never flushing unused or extra antibiotics down the toilet or a drain
• never breaking up or crushing antibiotic pills or tablets
• avoiding fruit and fruit juices, dairy, and alcohol for 3 hours after taking an antibiotic dose

4.

Kidney failure

The kidneys are responsible for removing toxins, including medications, from the blood and body through urine. Antibiotics can overburden and damage the kidneys in people with kidney conditions.

As people age, their kidneys also naturally become less effective. Doctors will often prescribe older people or people with kidney conditions lower doses of antibiotics to begin with.

Anyone who has a severe reaction of any kind to antibiotics should immediately stop taking the medications and seek medical attention.

People who experience unpleasant side effects should also tell their doctor about symptoms.

People are often only sensitive or allergic to a specific type or family of antibiotics.

A doctor can usually prescribe a different type of antibiotic if someone is sensitive or allergic to one kind. If a person’s symptoms are mild, a doctor may decide they can continue taking the antibiotic if the benefits outweigh the side effects.

A doctor should assess more severe side effects of antibiotics as soon as symptoms appear.

Side Effects, What Is It & Usage

What are antibiotics and how are they used?

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that are used to fight infections. Your healthcare team thinks you or your loved one might have an infection that can be treated with an antibiotic.

Not all infections are treated with antibiotics. While antibiotics may be effective against infections caused by bacteria (germs), they are not effective against viruses.

Like all drugs, antibiotics can have side effects and should be used only when necessary. Taking an antibiotic you don’t need can even be harmful. Because of this, there are important things to know about antibiotics.

What do I need to know about antibiotics?

Did you know:

• Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. However, up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed nor as effective as hoped.
• The overuse of antibiotics is the single most important factor that has led to antibiotic resistance.
• Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people get serious infections with bacteria that are resistant to one or more of the antibiotics designed to treat those infections.
• At least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these antibiotic-resistant infections. Almost 250,000 people each year need hospital care for treatment of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections. This infection is very difficult to treat. The use of antibiotics was the main reason why the illness developed. At least 14,000 people die each year in the United States from C. difficile infections. Many of these infections could have been prevented.

The overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics gives bacteria a chance to adapt. When this happens, the antibiotics no longer work as well to treat the infection – the bacteria become “resistant” to antibiotics.

What should I know about antibiotic safety?

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that are generally safe. They are very helpful in fighting disease, but sometimes antibiotics can actually be harmful.
Key facts to know about antibiotic safety:

• Antibiotics can have side effects including allergic reactions and serious, possibly life-threatening diarrhea caused by the bacteria (germ) Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Antibiotics may also interfere with other drugs you may be taking.
• Side effects of antibiotics are responsible for almost one out of five emergency department visits. They are the most common cause of emergency department visits for children under 18 years of age.
• When you take an antibiotic you do not need, you are unnecessarily exposed to the side effects of the drug and do not get any benefit from it.

Taking an antibiotic you don’t need can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. When resistance develops, antibiotics may not be able to stop future infections. Every time you take an antibiotic you don’t need, you increase your risk of developing a resistant infection in the future.
The bottom line: antibiotics come with benefits and risks. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, discuss the balance of benefits and risks with your healthcare team.

What side effects are related to antibiotics?

• Allergic reactions: Every year, there are more than 140,000 emergency department visits for reactions to antibiotics. Almost four out of five emergency department visits for antibiotic-related side effects are due to an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild rashes and itching to serious blistering skin reactions, swelling of the face and throat, and breathing problems. Minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use is the best way to reduce the risk of side effects from antibiotics. You should tell your doctor about any past drug reactions or allergies.
• C. difficile: C. difficile is a type of bacteria (germ) that causes diarrhea linked to at least 14,000 American deaths each year. When you take antibiotics, good bacteria that protect against infection are destroyed for several months. During this time, you can get sick from C. difficile. The bacteria can be picked up from contaminated surfaces or spread from the healthcare environment. People, especially older adults, are most at risk who take antibiotics and also get medical care. Take antibiotics exactly and only as prescribed.
• Antibiotic resistance: The use of antibiotics may increase the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to them. Antibiotic-resistant infections can be very serious and difficult to treat.

What illnesses are caused by viruses and can’t be treated by antibiotics?

Viruses cause most upper respiratory infections, which include head colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics.

The common cold and flu (influenza) do not respond to antibiotics. Less than 10% of acute bronchitis cases are caused by bacteria. Most cases of acute ear infections also resolve without antibiotics.

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses as well. Antibiotics are not recommended unless you have strep throat. Only about 15% to 30% of sore throat cases in children and up to 10% of cases in adults are due to strep throat.

Almost all cases of acute bacterial sinusitis resolve without antibiotics.

The bottom line: Taking antibiotics for most acute upper respiratory tract infections does little or no good, and the downsides are real.

What’s making you sick: viruses or bacteria?

• Cold/Runny Nose: Virus
• Bronchitis/Chest Cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults): Virus
• Whooping cough: Bacteria
• Flu: Virus
• Strep throat: Bacteria
• Sore throat (except strep): Virus
• Fluid in the Middle Ear (otitis media with effusion): Virus
• Urinary Tract Infection: Bacteria

How are viruses treated?

Symptoms caused by viruses are usually treated with the over-the-counter drugs (drugs you can buy without a prescription). Some drugs reduce pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Other drugs help make breathing easier (decongestants), and or relieve sneezing and runny nose (antihistamines). Symptoms can also be treated by gargling with salt water or drinking warm tea.

The best defense against getting the flu is to get a flu shot. The flu shot, however, does not protect against other viruses that cause other illnesses.

For some patients, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). These patients have a confirmed diagnosis of the flu and have risk factors for flu-related complications. These risk factors include:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart, liver or kidney disease
• Age older than 65
• Living in a nursing home
• Weakened immune system due to cancer or HIV or organ transplantation – the immune system is the body’s defense system against infections

Although oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) does not “cure” the flu, it can shorten the amount of time with symptoms.

Finally, there are a few situations in which antibiotics are needed. See your healthcare provider if you have a weakened immune system due to cancer, or if you are taking steroids, have HIV, or have had an organ transplant. Also call if your symptoms worsen or last longer than 7 to 10 days.

If you think you may be getting the flu and you already have these conditions, you may be less able to fight bacterial infections should they occur.

How does my healthcare team know I need to take antibiotics?

The healthcare team may run tests to determine whether you need an antibiotic at all, and if so, which will work best. For example, your blood or urine may be checked for bacteria.

During treatment things may change. More tests and more information may show a different antibiotic is needed, or that this is a different type of infection. Tests may show that the antibiotic is not working. Or they may show an infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Drug interactions

Antibiotics can interact with other drugs you take, making those drugs or the antibiotics less effective. Some drug combinations can worsen the side effects of the antibiotic or other drug. Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Sometimes these symptoms can lead to dehydration and other problems. Ask your doctor about drug interactions and potential side effects of antibiotics. Notify your doctor right away if you have any side effects from antibiotics you are taking.

What questions should be asked about treatment with antibiotics?

It is important to understand what is happening with you or your loved one’s care. Here are a few important questions caregivers or patients should ask about antibiotic treatment:

• What infection is this antibiotic treating? How does the healthcare team know that is the infection?
• What side effects might occur from this antibiotic?
• How long should these antibiotics be taken?
• Are there special instructions on taking this antibiotic, such as which medications or supplements are safe to take with it, or if it should be taken with food?
• What tests or monitoring will be done during treatment to show that the antibiotic is working?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea – Symptoms and causes

Overview

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day after taking medications used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics).

Most often, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild and requires no treatment. The diarrhea typically clears up within a few days after you stop taking the antibiotic. More-serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea might require stopping or switching antibiotic medications.

Symptoms

For most people, antibiotic-associated diarrhea causes mild signs and symptoms, such as:

• Loose stools
• More-frequent bowel movements

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is likely to begin about a week after you start taking an antibiotic. Sometimes, however, diarrhea and other symptoms don’t appear until days or even weeks after you’ve finished antibiotic treatment.

Clostridium difficile infection

C. difficile is a toxin-producing bacterium that can cause a more serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In addition to causing loose stools and more frequent bowel movements, C. difficile infection can cause:

• Lower abdominal pain and cramping
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have serious signs and symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. These signs and symptoms are common to a number of conditions, so your doctor might recommend tests to determine the cause.

Causes

Why antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs isn’t completely understood. It’s commonly thought to develop when antibacterial medications (antibiotics) upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.

The antibiotics most likely to cause diarrhea

Nearly all antibiotics can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotics most commonly involved include:

• Cephalosporins, such as cefdinir and cefpodoxime
• Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin

C. difficile infection

When antibiotics upset the balance of bacteria in your digestive system, the bacteria C. difficile can quickly grow out of control. C. difficile bacteria create toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The antibiotics most commonly linked to C. difficile infection include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillins and clindamycin.

Risk factors

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can occur in anyone who takes an antibiotic. But you’re more likely to develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea if you:

• Have had antibiotic-associated diarrhea in the past
• Have taken antibiotic medications for an extended time
• Are taking more than one antibiotic medication

Complications

One of the most common complications of any type of diarrhea is extreme loss of fluids and electrolytes (dehydration). Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include a very dry mouth, intense thirst, little or no urination, and weakness.

Prevention

To help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, try to:

• Take antibiotics only when necessary. Don’t use antibiotics unless your doctor feels they’re necessary. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but they won’t help viral infections, such as colds and flu.
• Ask caregivers to wash their hands. If you’re hospitalized, ask everyone to wash his or her hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before touching you.
• Tell your doctor if you’ve had antibiotic-associated diarrhea before. Having antibiotic-associated diarrhea once increases the chance that antibiotics will cause that same reaction again. Your doctor may be able to select a different antibiotic for you.

What They Are, How to Take Them, Side Effects

Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing.

The word antibiotic means “against life.” Any drug that kills germs in your body is technically an antibiotic. But most people use the term when they’re talking about medicine that is meant to kill bacteria.

Before scientists first discovered antibiotics in the 1920s, many people died from minor bacterial infections, like strep throat. Surgery was riskier, too. But after antibiotics became available in the 1940s, life expectancy increased, surgeries got safer, and people could survive what used to be deadly infections.

What Antibiotics Can and Can’t Do

Most bacteria that live in your body are harmless. Some are even helpful. Still, bacteria can infect almost any organ. Fortunately, antibiotics can usually help.

These are the types of infections that can be treated with antibiotics:

Continued

Only bacterial infections can be killed with antibiotics. The common cold, flu, most coughs, some bronchitis infections, most sore throats, and the stomach flu are all caused by viruses. Antibiotics won’t work to treat them. Your doctor will tell you either to wait these illnesses out or prescribe antiviral drugs to help you get rid of them.

It’s not always obvious whether an infection is viral or bacterial. Sometimes your doctor will do tests before deciding which treatment you need.

Some antibiotics work on many different kinds of bacteria. They’re called “broad-spectrum.” Others target specific bacteria only. They’re known as “narrow-spectrum.”

Side Effects

Since your gut is full of bacteria — both good and bad — antibiotics often affect your digestive system while they’re treating an infection. Common side effects include:

Occasionally, you may have other symptoms, like:

Continued

These symptoms can mean you’re allergic to your antibiotic, so let your doctor know right away if you have them.

If you’re taking birth control pills, antibiotics may keep them from working as well as they should, so speak to your doctor about whether alternative birth control methods might be a good idea. Women can also get vaginal yeast infections while taking antibiotics. The symptoms include itching, burning, vaginal discharge (looks similar to cottage cheese) and pain during sex. It’s treated with an anti-fungal cream.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics are a powerful germ-fighting tool when used carefully and safely. But up to one-half of all antibiotic use isn’t necessary. Overuse has led to antibacterial resistance. Bacteria adapt over time and become “super bacteria” or “superbugs.” They change so that antibiotics no longer work on them. They pose a big threat, because there aren’t any medicines to kill them.

The best way to help slow the spread of super bacteria is by being smart with antibiotics. Here’s how:

• Trust your doctor if they say you don’t need them.
• Don’t take them for a viral infection.
• Only take the ones your doctor has prescribed for you.
• Take them as directed.
• Don’t skip doses.
• Take them for the full number of days your doctor prescribes.
• Don’t save them for later.

Common Side Effects of Antibiotics

Antibiotics have become one of the most important tools of modern medicine. They offer an easy and effective means of treating infections that could otherwise be a serious threat to your health and make you very unwell. While they can make you feel better when you are sick, antibiotics can sometimes come with side effects. Let’s take a look at some common side effects of antibiotics and how you can reduce or prevent them.

What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics, sometimes called antibacterials, refer to any medication that can effectively kill bacteria or stop the bacteria from reproducing, thus treating infections caused by bacteria.

Antibiotics were originally discovered in 1928, when Scottish doctor Alexander Fleming observed that a certain type of mold known as Penicillium notatum stopped the growth and spread of a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus. Staphylococcus bacteria can cause pneumonia, skin infections, and certain food-borne illnesses.

Further studies found that the mold could also kill Streptococcus, Diphtheria bacillus, Meningococcus, and other types of bacteria. From this research the first ever antibiotic, penicillin, was developed.

The antibiotics you are prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Bacteria are generally divided into two groups, depending on the make-up of their cell walls:
Gram-positive bacteria have single-layered cell walls that are thin and easy to penetrate.
Gram-negative bacteria have thicker, double-layered cell walls that are not easily permeable.

To tackle these two types of bacteria, antibiotics are split up into several groups. In general antibiotics can be thought of as ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘narrow spectrum’, depending on how many bacteria and types of infection they are effective against.

• Broad spectrum antibiotics are designed to work against a wide variety of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative. Broad spectrum antibiotics include quinolones and tetracyclines.
• Narrow spectrum antibiotics are only effective against either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria but not both. Narrow spectrum antibiotics include penicillin and clindamycin.

Antibiotics use a variety of different mechanisms to eliminate or neutralize bacteria, but they generally work by:

• Directly killing bacteria by weakening their cell walls until they burst and die
• Inhibiting vital process that allow bacteria to grow and spread new cells
• Hampering a bacteria’s ability to repair any damage to its DNA, such that it dies

For example, quinolones, which are a type of broad-spectrum antibiotic, use hydroxyl radicals to eliminate bacteria. Hydroxyl radicals are molecules that destroy the proteins and lipids that make up the cell membrane in bacteria. These molecules can also damage cell DNA to prevent the bacteria cells from replicating.

Other antibiotics, like penicillin, eliminate bacteria by destroying the cell wall. Without a cell wall, bacteria can’t keep themselves together, forcing them to burst and die.

Why Antibiotics Cause Side Effects

Your body is naturally filled with millions of bacteria. Most of them are harmless, and many are actually beneficial or necessary for your health and general processes. Your gut bacteria, for instance, help you digest food properly.

Antibiotics can kill bacteria effectively, but they can’t always differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. This means they may damage bacteria that you need, which can keep your body from operating properly while allowing the foreign bacteria greater reign over your organ systems.

Common Side Effects of Antibiotics

Some of the most common side effects you may experience with antibiotics include:

• Upset stomach – Many antibiotics can cause an upset stomach or other general gastrointestinal problems. This is most common with penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Symptoms include:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
• Photosensitivity – Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, can make you more sensitive to light. This can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, and your eyes may be more sensitive to natural light.
• Fever – Fever is a common side-effect of many medications, not just antibiotics. . Fever can also happen as part of an allergic reaction (more on this later). Fevers are more common with sulfonamides, cephalexin, beta lactams, and minocycline, but they can happen with any antibiotic.
• Tooth discoloration – Children whose teeth are still developing may suffer from permanent tooth staining when using antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline. This is generally more common in children younger than eight years old.
  Women who take antibiotics while pregnant may also stain the teeth of their developing child, so pregnant women should not take these types of antibiotics
• Fungal infections – Because antibiotics kill off lots of the healthy, protective bacteria in your body, they can cause certain fungal infections, particularly thrush. Thrush often appears as white, painful patches in your mouth and on your tongue. Antibiotics can also cause vaginal yeast infections, which can cause itchiness, pain, and general discomfort along with a fluid discharge. You might need treatment for these fungal infections and should seek advice from a doctor if you develop these symptoms.
• Interactions with Other Medications – Some antibiotics may affect the effectiveness of other medications you are taking. For example, the antibiotic rifampin can affect the effectiveness of the birth control pill.

Read: Do Antibiotics Make You Tired?

Serious Antibiotics Side Effects

Most side effects of antibiotics are not serious and should subside once you finish the course. However, depending on the sensitivity of the side-effects and your personal health, you may experience some more serious side effects, though these are rare.

Allergic reactions can happen with antibiotics and any medication. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can be relatively mild, but some can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.

If you are allergic to a certain antibiotic, you will react to it almost immediately after administration. Symptoms differ based on the person, but most allergic reactions manifest in the form of hives, trouble breathing, and swelling in the tongue and throat. If you have a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic, known as ‘anaphylaxis’, this can be life-threatening. If you develop these symptoms you should seek medical advice immediately.

Another type of allergic reaction that can occur with antibiotics is Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious illness affecting your mucus membranes and skin. It is most common with sulfamethoxazole and beta-lactam antibiotics. Stevens-Johnson syndrome starts out with flu-like symptoms, including sore throat and fever and can progress to a painful rash that quickly spreads and causes blisters. This may be followed by the top layer of your skin shedding.

Other symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

• Skin pain
• Hives
• Coughing
• Swelling in your tongue or face
• Pain in your throat and mouth

If you develop signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome you should stop taking the antibiotic immediately and seek medical advice straight away.

In rare instances, antibiotics can cause changes to your blood. For instance, some antibiotics can reduce the number of white cells in your blood (leukopenia). This can cause a weakened immune system and a higher chance of infections. Some antibiotics may cause low levels of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia). Platelets are needed for you body to form clots if you cut yourself, so not having enough can slow down your blood clotting and cause problems with bruising and bleeding.

Some antibiotic medications, usually fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, may also irritate or inflame your tendons. Tendons are the thick tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. Continued irritation can potentially lead to tendonitis or a ruptured tendon. This is more common in people who:

• Suffer from existing kidney failure
• Have undergone a lung, heart, or kidney transplant
• Experienced past problems in their tendons
• Are 60 years old or older
• Take steroids

In the rarest cases, antibiotics can cause low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other cardiovascular problems. These side-effects have been linked to erythromycin and some types of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

To read about penicillin allergy click here
To read about amoxicillin allergy click here

Reducing and Preventing the Side Effects of Antibiotics

The best thing you can do to reduce the potential for antibiotics side effects is to take them as the label and follow your doctor’s instructions. Most antibiotics should be taken with food, as this can help to improve absorption and prevent an upset stomach. However, some must be taken with just water on an otherwise empty stomach – always read the information provided with the antibiotic you are prescribed. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent upset stomach if you cannot take antibiotics with food.

Most gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea and soft stools) come from the fact that the antibiotics are killing the good bacteria in your gut, which disrupts the balance. There is some evidence to suggest that taking probiotics can help to replenish your gut flora and regain the bacteria balance in your digestive tract.

While the role of probiotics needs more research, you will certainly do no harm by taking a probiotic supplement or eating foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and most fermented foods.

While taking antibiotics you should avoid alcohol. Although alcohol is a fermented beverage, is does not have the same beneficial properties of other probiotic foods. Alcohol can in fact cause some of the same side effects as antibiotics, and so putting them together can make you feel much more unwell. Certain antibiotics, such as metronizadole, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole, can cause severe reactions when combined with alcohol, leading to symptoms like:

• Flushing or redness in the face
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches

Completing the Course of Antibiotics

Make sure you take the complete course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor to completely eliminate the bacteria from your system and treat the infection properly. Even if it seems like your symptoms have cleared up, there may still be lingering bacteria.

Stopping antibiotics early gives these bacteria a chance to grow and spread again, this time with the higher chance of becoming resistant to antibiotics. This could lead to more severe symptoms and require more intense antibiotics that could cause more serious side effects.

You should also only take the dose prescribed by your doctor, and do not increase your dosage unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Most antibiotics will take effect within the first few hours of administration, and you should feel better within the first day. If you do not feel better or if your symptoms do not improve within the first few days, contact your doctor. You may require a different antibiotic or may have been misdiagnosed.

How to Obtain Antibiotics

Getting the antibiotics you need is a relatively easy process, but you do need a prescription for them. Start by contacting your doctor. They will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and personal health history. From there, your doctor may have enough information to provide a diagnosis and prescribe any necessary medication.

However, your doctor may need to order lab tests to get a better idea of the type of bacteria that is causing your illness. They may take a sample, often by swabbing your cheeks or drawing blood, and send it to a lab, where tests are run to identify the specific bacteria. Once the doctor has the results, they can prescribe the antibiotic that will target that bacteria and treat your infection most effectively

Despite the potential for side effects, if you have an infection and need antibiotics, the benefits far outweigh the risks. If you have symptoms of an infection and think you need antibiotics, you can get antibiotics online from a professionally trained and certified doctor by scheduling an appointment with PlushCare today.

Read More About Common Side Effects of Antibiotics

Read More of Our Antibiotics Series

Can antibiotics make you sick?

Antibiotics are lifesaving drugs that fight bacterial infections, but can antibiotics make you sick?

Reactions from antibiotics account for 20% of medication-related emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common side effects of antibiotics can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and yeast infections.

More serious side effects of antibiotics include susceptibility to clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria, which causes severe diarrhea that can lead to significant colon damage and even death. Antibiotics damage the normal bacteria in your intestines and create the opportunity for C. diff to take over. C. diff needs immediate treatment.

Allergic reactions to antibiotics include wheezing, hives, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis — a feeling that you are choking or your voice is changing. While about 10% of U.S. patients report they had an allergic reaction to penicillin in the past, testing has shown that fewer than 1% are truly allergic, according to the CDC. About 80% with a penicillin allergy lose their sensitivity after 10 years.

“Antibiotics are powerful drugs. If you need an antibiotic, follow your health care provider’s instructions carefully, be on the lookout for side effects and allergic reactions and alert your provider or seek emergency care if you are concerned,” said Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates – Preston.

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Because antibiotics will kill good bacteria along with bad bacteria, they can disrupt the balance in the gut. Studies have found that this disruption contributes to numerous conditions, including diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, autism and superinfection in critically ill patients.

Antibiotics are helpful for some bacterial infections. If you have a viral infection such as a cold, the flu, runny nose — even if mucus is thick, yellow or green — antibiotics won’t help. Antibiotics also give bacteria a chance to build up resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

90,000 Recovery of the body after taking antibiotics

Now almost all of humanity is going through a difficult period – the countries are covered by a new, little-studied infection – COVID-19. A large number of people have already encountered were with this ailment and recovered safely – but not without the help of antibiotics. It’s not a secret for anyone that taking antibiotics not only ko relieves a person of b harmful bacteria, but, unfortunately, causes some concomitant harm to health.



The undesirable consequences of taking antibiotics are that antibacterial drugs kill not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also the beneficial microflora that inhabits the intestines. In addition, the liver also suffers from the chemical components of the tablets, since the process of removing drugs from the body takes place through it.
That is why, after taking antibiotics, you need to help your body recover.

Restoration of microflora intestines and immunity

Long-term use of antibiotics significantly impairs the intestinal microflora. The consequences of such a violation can be constipation, abdominal pain, excessive gas formation and, as a result, bloating. Due to the disruption of the intestines, a decrease in immunity also occurs, since 60% of immune cells are produced in the intestines.

Probiotics should be taken to prevent disturbances in the gut microbiota.This should be done both during antibiotic treatment and after, because lacto- and bifidobacteria increase the body’s nonspecific resistance, activate the immune system, synthesize vitamins of group K, B, amino acids in the intestine, enhance intestinal parietal digestion, absorption of calcium, iron, vitamin D.

We recommend the following preparations:

• BAK-SET Cold / Flu * – a novelty of English production, containing 17 strains of beneficial bacteria that enhance each other’s action.Does not contain lactose, GMOs, artificial colors, therefore it can be offered to adults and children from 2 years old.

• Immucil * – in addition to bifidobacteria, contains vitamin C and zinc – integral companions of strong immunity. A convenient form of release (powder dissolved in the oral cavity) will allow you to receive treatment without interrupting your daily activities.

• Sinobactin Forte * is a foreign means of production in Canada. Affordable price, convenient reception (1 capsule once a day), does not require refrigeration.

• Florasan-D * – a drug included in the industry standard for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (approved by the Russian Gastroenterological Association). Does not contain genetically modified microorganisms, lactose, gluten and sucrose, therefore it can be recommended for buyers suffering from intolerance to these
substances.

• Bifitsin * – the product is manufactured according to GMP standards in the USA. Thanks to the characteristics of capsules made using Bifi Guard® technology, beneficial bacteria are protected from acidic gastric contents, bile salts and digestive enzymes.Such protection allows them to freely pass the stomach, adapt and take root in the intestinal lumen, while maintaining high biological activity. Restoration of the vaginal microflora Once in the body, antibiotics fight against the causative agent of the infection, but at the same time destroy other beneficial microorganisms, including lactobacilli. It is lactobacilli that protect the vaginal environment from the activation of pathogens.

With a decrease in the concentration of beneficial lactobacilli, the growth of harmful microorganisms occurs, causing undesirable symptoms.As a rule, pathogens are more active and aggressive, they have time to multiply before the content of “good” bacteria returns to normal. As a result, vaginal dysbiosis occurs.

One of the most common results of this dysbiosis after taking antibiotics is candidiasis. Its symptoms: the appearance of atypical discharge, which differ in density, consistency, color and odor, itching, burning and irritation. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor, but due to the prevailing unfavorable epidemiological situation, the buyer can turn to a pharmacist for a recommendation and purchase of over-the-counter drugs.These are drugs based on fluconazole:
Diflucan and Fluconazole Medisorb. If the course of the disease is not very severe, a single dose of 150 g of the drug will be sufficient. In case of recurrent chronic course, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If the customer is more accustomed to such a dosage form as vaginal suppositories, we recommend preparations based on natamycin (Pimafucin, Ekofucin, Primafungin) or sertaconazole (Zalain). The latter will become a real salvation for women who do not like long-term treatment.

Also, do not forget that the vaginal microflora needs to be restored. Taking Sinobactin Forte * will have a great effect on women’s health – it contains the Lactobacillus casei HA-108 strain, which not only helps to restore the microbiome, but also helps to reduce the risk of recurrence of thrush.

Liver recovery
The liver performs many functions, including neutralizing toxic substances that have entered our body.Taking antibiotics, especially long-term, can lead to the development of acute toxic hepatitis and hepatic cholestasis, in addition, it can negatively affect the bile ducts. Based on this, it is safe to say that after taking antibiotics, the liver needs to be restored, even if the negative consequences are invisible.

To maintain liver function, pay attention to the following means:

• Complex of oat and milk thistle extracts sh and *.Milk thistle extract promotes the regeneration of liver cells and the speedy replacement of dying cells with young ones. Oat extract is useful for intoxication of the body, as it helps to remove harmful substances from the liver. It also improves the processes of bile formation and excretion, thereby accelerating the decomposition of toxins and their subsequent removal from the body.

• Katrilan * contains silymarin, which activates protein synthesis in damaged liver cells – this contributes to their recovery.One package of the drug is enough for the course of administration.

• Esfolil * – a rich source of essential phospholipids, which are able to repair damaged cell walls, thereby protecting the liver from harmful effects.

• Lecrate * contains artichoke extract, which improves the detoxification function of the liver, and lecithin – a substance from which the walls of cell membranes are built, therefore its intake stimulates the regeneration of damaged liver cells.

After a previous illness, the human body is weakened and vulnerable to new infections, so it needs some support, which means that you should take care of taking such drugs as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin-mineral complexes (VMC).

• Verrum-Vit * – VMC for children and adults are presented in the series, and the new form of release (effervescent tablets) will satisfy the needs of all buyers.

• Zinc * and Zinkorol *.Research shows that zinc can interfere with the molecular process that causes mucus and bacteria to build up in the nasal passages. Zinc has an anti-viral effect by attaching to receptors in nasal epithelial cells and blocking their effects.

• Vitamin D triggers the synthesis of its own antimicrobial substances in the cells of the skin and epithelium of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, destroying viruses, bacteria and fungi, thereby reducing the risk of developing colds.We recommend drops ( DeTriFerol , Detrimax *), tablets ( Detrimax *, Cosmo-D3 *) or capsules (Vitamin D * 400 and 2000 mg), based on dosages and preferences.

Timely measures taken will help you not only to transfer treatment from with the least consequences, but also to protect your health in the future for !

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS OR CONSULT A SPECIALIST.
BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ADDITIVE. NOT A DRUG.

What you need to know about antibiotic use

The discovery of the first antibiotic penicillin by Alexander Fleming back in 1928 changed the further course of history and the development of medicine. Penicillin saved many lives during World War II. We have been using antibiotics for almost a century. At their peak, these drugs were a panacea for many diseases. At one time, it was antibiotics that allowed the development of surgical types of treatment and thanks to them, now such high achievements of medicine as open heart surgery and chemotherapy are possible.However, despite all the advances in technology and medicine, there is a real threat to return to the Middle Ages, when people were dying from the simplest infections and diseases. The reason for this is the rapidly spreading antibiotic resistance (antibiotic resistance). It occurs when microorganisms develop / mutate in such a way that they can withstand the drugs used to fight them.

The endless war of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance does not subside for a single day.And many experts believe that in the current conditions, humanity is losing this war. We are hastening our defeat with the irresponsible use of antibiotics.

Antibiotic misconceptions:

1. Affects viruses. In viral infections, antibiotics do not work, do not help and do not improve anything except the material well-being of manufacturers and sellers of antibacterial agents.
2. They have a prophylactic effect against viral infections.Antibiotic therapy cannot reduce the likelihood of bacterial complications. Complications still arise, but they are associated with bacteria that survived after the antibiotic was prescribed in vain.
3. There are strong and weak. People really want to believe in the fact that if antibiotic “A” is a hundred times more expensive than antibiotic “B”, then it is a hundred times more effective
4. Immunity is set. None of the modern antibacterial agents have a depressing effect on the immune system.Here, as often happens with us, cause and effect are confused. The disease is to blame for the suppression of immunity, which was the reason for the appointment of antibiotic therapy.
5. Antifungal drugs should be taken with antibiotics. Candidiasis – as a specific side effect of antibiotic therapy – is quite possible, and its development can indeed be treated with the use of antifungal agents. But there is no evidence that antifungal drugs have a preventive effect and reduce the likelihood of candidiasis.
6. When taking antibiotics, you must take medication “for the intestines”.
   Suppression of the intestinal flora, expressed so much that it requires treatment, occurs with prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Diet, combined with discontinuation of antibiotic therapy, is adequate treatment in most cases. Unsurprisingly, most magic bacteria capsules are drugs with unproven efficacy.
7. Antiallergic agents are required for antibiotic therapy.Allergies associated with taking antibiotics are really not uncommon. Hence an important rule – a drug that causes an allergic reaction must be immediately canceled and replaced with a drug of another group.
8. If after taking an antibiotic it becomes worse, it should be stopped and replaced immediately. Antibiotics can destroy bacteria and release endotoxins into the bloodstream. The body reacts to the release of endotoxins with chills, an increase in body temperature – all this in the first day of treatment manifests itself as a real deterioration of the state.This development is called the “endotoxic reaction”, and doctors are specially taught how to distinguish endotoxic reactions from drug ineffectiveness. If, after swallowing a pill or an injection of an antibiotic, the temperature rises and chills begin, this does not mean at all that this drug is not suitable and you need to run to the pharmacy for another. This means that you need to consult a doctor

Antibiotic rules

If the attending physician considers prescribing antibiotics to be justified and appropriate, the most important thing is to make sure that they are taken with the maximum benefit and minimum harm.To do this, regardless of the type of prescribed antibacterial drugs, it is advisable to observe the following recommendations:

• The same antibiotic can be produced in low and high doses, therefore, when buying a medicine, you should be careful and purchase the drug in doses strictly prescribed by your doctor.
• Before use, be sure to read the instructions: in the presence of diseases indicated in the list of contraindications, you should consult a doctor for advice.
• Do not take the product on an empty stomach to avoid aggravating mucosal irritation.
• Be sure to drink antibiotics with water.
• Avoid alcohol consumption, absorption and blood thinning drugs.
• Even if the condition improved immediately, it is necessary to complete the course of admission: bacteria that are not completely suppressed will form resistance to the antibiotic, and further treatment will be ineffective.

When taken correctly and adhered to, antibiotic treatment is likely to be effective.You cannot prescribe antibacterial drugs on your own. Timely vaccination avoids infectious diseases and the need for their treatment.

Physician-therapist N.V. Batovkina 90,050 90,000 Adverse reactions and consequences of taking antibiotics

01/12/2018

Antibiotics are effective medicines that in a matter of days can kill an infection that has arisen in the body and improve the patient’s condition from the first days.But the medal, as always, has two sides. Unfortunately, during and after taking antibiotics, side effects can occur.
What are the side effects of antibiotics, what to do in situations when they start to appear, and how to avoid them? Consider this issue below.

The most common side effects of antibiotics

The first thing to say: side effects after taking antibiotics do not always appear, because everything depends entirely on the body. But often taking antibiotics can make itself felt with some unpleasant reactions.

1. Disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

Most often this problem is manifested by diarrhea or constipation, bloating, nausea and even vomiting, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases. Almost always, symptoms (especially nausea and upset stools) can go away with antibiotics.

2. Dysbacteriosis when taking antibiotics.

Antibacterial drugs partially kill the good bacteria that live in our intestines. This disease is manifested by stool disorder and indigestion.Sometimes the body can recover on its own, but often special preparations may be needed to correct the microflora.

3. Allergy.

Usually, this unpleasant symptom is manifested by itching or a rash on the skin.

4. Women may experience candidiasis (thrush) or vaginal dysbiosis.

In this situation, everything is also logical: antibiotics worsen the microflora of the vagina, and, as a result, the yeast-like Candida fungi and bad bacteria begin to actively develop.

If at least one of the symptoms manifests itself, you should immediately inform the doctor who prescribed antibiotics, especially if unpleasant side effects appeared at the beginning of taking the drug.

If the consequences began to manifest themselves after taking, you should contact a specialized doctor, for example, a gastroenterologist or a gynecologist. Any minor disturbance can worsen health over time, especially if chronic conditions are present.

After antibiotics: what to drink to get rid of unpleasant consequences?

After taking antibiotics, doctors recommend that the intestinal microflora be restored immediately.Even if, at first glance, there are no unpleasant symptoms, in most cases the good microflora still suffers. Therefore, after antibiotic therapy, probiotics should be taken, which will restore the microflora and (in most cases) also normalize the stool if it is disturbed.

Which probiotics are better after antibiotics?

Popular and effective: Linex, Probiologist, Laktiale. Biogay drops are well suited for children.
When and for how long to drink them? Usually doctors recommend drinking probiotics about 10-14 days after you stop taking antibiotics.Sometimes you can start taking probiotics from the first day of antibiotic therapy, especially if chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or pelvic organs are present. In this case, you should drink good bacteria no earlier than 3 hours after taking antibiotics, before or during a meal.

Allergy while taking antibiotics

If an allergy occurs while taking antibiotics and the manifestations are minor, for example itching or slight redness, then in this case only the symptoms need to be eliminated, since such troubles usually disappear after the course is completed.Aleron, Cetrin, Erius will help to cope with allergic symptoms. For children – Edem syrup.

With regard to vaginal dysbiosis, probiotics are also used in this case. If the situation worsens, the discomfort does not go away and suspicious discharge appears, it is better to immediately consult a gynecologist.

The most important thing when taking antibiotics is to listen to your body, do not start and do not tolerate adverse reactions! And, of course, do not stop drinking the prescribed antibacterial drug and do not adjust its dosage yourself.

Pay attention!

This article is for informational purposes only. Treatment for each specific case should be selected individually after the examination. Pharmacy 36 and 6 is not responsible for your decision to treat yourself with one or another drug. Remember that self-medication is dangerous for your health!

Rules for the safe use of antibiotics

Today, most diseases are treated with antibiotics.However, very few people know about the dangers and side effects of these medications, why self-medication with antibiotics is dangerous, and what questions should be asked before taking these medications.

So, below are the basic rules that you need to familiarize yourself with before starting antibiotic therapy.

1. Be sure to tell the doctor prescribing you the antibiotic the following:

• Have you ever had an allergy to antibiotics, and if so, which ones.
• Do you have liver and / or kidney disease. The fact is that all antibiotics are excreted from the body by the liver or kidneys. In case of malfunction of these organs, a dangerous overdose of the drug may occur.
• What medications did you take before seeing a doctor? When prescribing an antibiotic, these questions need to be known to the doctor, since many drugs cannot be taken at the same time.

2. To prevent many of the unwanted effects of self-medication, you should know the following rules:

• Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria, so it makes no sense to treat viral and fungal diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, thrush with them.
• The therapeutic effect of an antibiotic is manifested within three days – if after this period there is no relief, the doctor must replace this antibiotic with another drug.
• Antibiotics should be taken in a course of five days or more. It should be remembered that even if the painful symptoms completely disappear, in no case should you stop taking the drug. This is due to the fact that a complete disruption of the bacterial life cycle takes just such a time.
• Incomplete treatment often develops resistance, i. E. the resistance of the pathogen to the drug, and in the future this antibiotic will no longer be effective.
• It is extremely dangerous and undesirable to take multiple antibiotics at the same time.
• It is necessary to take the drug at a strictly defined time, since each antibiotic has its own lifetime in the body, and as a result of irregular intake, so-called “windows” are formed when a fresh dose of an antibiotic does not enter the bloodstream and bacteria have time to breathe and adapt to this drug the drug.

3. When self-medication with antibiotics, the following complications are most common:

• Disorders of the heart, manifested in the development of arrhythmias, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Has a damaging effect on liver and kidney cells, which can cause hepatic or renal coma.
• Hearing impairment, up to complete deafness. Today, this problem is common in pediatrics, when children are given “non-child” doses of antibiotics.
• Visual impairment.
• Disorders of intrauterine development of a child when taking antibiotics during pregnancy.
• Development of hallucinations, psychosis, conditions similar to epileptic seizures.

Source: http://medvestnik.by/

90,000 Antibiotics – Use With Care!

Here are the basic rules for the use of antibiotics:

Rule 1: Antibiotics SHOULD BE USED STRICTLY AS INDICATED.

The main indication for the use of antibiotics is serious BACTERIAL infection. It is bacterial, not viral or fungal. For example, pneumonia, with rare exceptions, is caused by bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics are indicated in this case. But with the flu in the early days, no, because the flu is caused by the corresponding virus. Antibiotics do not work on them.

For serious infections. I have friends who drink antibiotics for colds.Here I recall a bearded anecdote: “If you treat a cold, then it will be cured in 7 days. And if not treated, it goes away in a week. ” A cold (according to the doctor’s opinion, an acute respiratory infection – ARVI) is a disease that our body can cope with on its own without antibiotics. In addition, it is not a fact that it will be caused by bacteria, there are also rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa, accompanied by a runny nose) caused by viruses. It turns out fortune telling on the coffee grounds. Do not forget that the use of the same antibiotic does not go unnoticed.The bacteria get used to them, and as a result, over time, the medicine does not work. The situation is similar to cockroach baiting. For the first time, the poison acts very powerfully on the negligent inhabitants of the apartment. The number of insects decreases sharply.

But there are those units that have been found to be insensitive to the poison. She multiplies and there are a lot of cockroaches that are not susceptible to this poison. And you need to buy another product. The same thing happens with antibiotics.

Therefore, antibiotics should be used for an infection that really threatens health – pneumonia, cystitis, pyelonephritis, purulent inflammation, etc.And the cold will go away by itself on antipyretic drugs in a week.

Rule 2: in the first days, preparations of a WIDE SPECTRUM of action are used, and in the subsequent days, those to which the flora (bacteria) is sensitive.

A very important rule, which, unfortunately, can only be fully applied in a medical institution. The fact is that there are antibiotics that kill VERY MANY different microbes (for example, the drug amoxicillin), and there are those that act on single species (for example, anti-tuberculosis drugs act only on Koch’s bacillus).At the beginning of an infectious disease, it is UNKNOWN what kind of bacteria caused the disease (and there are a huge number of types of bacteria). Therefore, they use drugs that kill as many BACTERIA of different types as possible. And they hope that as a result of such an “atomic explosion” among the innocent, the “villainous bacteria” that caused the infection will die. This is also a fortune-telling, but there is no better way out at the moment.

The most tested option is BEFORE you start taking antibiotics , take the environment of the body, where the infection occurs, for culture (for example, purulent contents of the wound).The detached piece is placed on a nutrient medium, where bacteria grow after a few days. So you can determine who exactly caused the infection, the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics (in other words, which of all antibiotics best destroys the specific bacteria that caused the disease). As soon as the results of the study become known, new antibiotics are prescribed, which more selectively destroy the “evil” bacteria. The analysis is done on average 3-4 days. Naturally, it is done only in a medical institution, and even then not in all cases.Therefore, most often they dispense with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is chosen by an experienced (at random) way.

Rule 3: The three-day rule.

According to this rule, the effectiveness of the antibiotic is determined by on 3 DAY from the moment of its appointment. The drug is canceled after 3 DAYS from the moment the symptoms of the disease have ceased.

If, after starting the antibiotic, the symptoms of the disease decrease within 3 days: the fever stops, the degree of weakness decreases, cough, shortness of breath, etc.then this means that ANTIBIOTIC WORKS on bacteria, and it is effective. The third day from the date of admission is the last day on which the symptoms of MUST decrease. If this does not happen (fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, muscle pain, etc.), it is necessary CHANGE antibiotic with another DIFFERENT mechanism of action (for example, change bactericidal to bacteriostatic) also WIDE RANGE of action … Replacement is necessary because you misunderstood the drug.Got one to which the bacteria are already immune. And in case of an infectious disease, early initiation of therapy is important. You cannot wait long for the infection to spread even more in the body, which will happen when taking a drug that does not act on microorganisms.

Antibiotics are discontinued, as a rule, after 3 days from THE MOMENT OF CUTTING ALL symptoms of infection (fever, shortness of breath, weakness, cough, etc.). In some cases, the admission continues further (for severe infectious diseases that are treated in the hospital).

Rule 4: Take an antibiotic by the hour.

Antibiotic intake should be scored by hour. In the annotation to any antibiotic in the “Pharmacokinetics” section, the duration of the drug action is indicated. For example, the drug amoxicillin lasts about 6-8 hours. In order for the bacteria to CONSTANTLY WORK with the antibiotic , you need to use it continuously. In a specific example, every 8 hours, i.e. 3 times a day, strictly by the hour. Let’s take the interval after 8 hours: 7:00, 15:00, 23:00.If the drug acts every 12 hours, then it should be taken 2 times a day every 12 hours. You can also focus on the half-life indicator. But I propose the simplest option: in any annotation to the drug it is indicated in what dosage and HOW MANY TIMES A DAY you need to drink an antibiotic. Divide 24 hours by the number of indicated receptions there, and it will become clear in what intervals you need to drink the medicine. For example, it is specified 6 times a day – 24 hours: 6 = 4 hours. Therefore, an antibiotic should be taken every 4 hours.If specified once a day – every 24 hours, etc. An important rule that many do not follow. But if the concentration of the drug in the blood is not constant, this can lead to the fact that at some hours the drug will not act on bacteria. And this can lead to the development of RESISTANCE of microorganisms to the destroying action of the drug. This should not be allowed.

Rule 5: The use of drugs together with antibiotics to eliminate the symptoms of an infectious disease.

To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, other drugs are also used in conjunction with antibiotics.For example, in pneumonia, the main symptoms are fever, shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and chest pain is possible. To eliminate FEVER , ANTI-RELIEF drugs are used, COUGH with sputum – MUCOLYTICS for faster sputum separation, CHEST PAIN – ANALYSIS, which are also anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs anti-inflammatory). This is necessary to alleviate the patient’s condition, as well as a speedy recovery.

Rule 6: After a course of antibiotics, restoration of intestinal microflora with probiotics is shown.

A rule that most people never follow. The fact is that in addition to the “harmful” bacteria, antibiotics also affect the “good” ones that are in our gastrointestinal tract. The collection of beneficial bacteria is called normal MICROFLORA. This microflora performs a lot of useful functions – it protects the gastrointestinal tract from the growth of “harmful” bacteria in it due to competition with them, forms some vitamins, participates in the digestion of certain nutrients, stimulates immunity, etc.When using antibiotics, part of this microflora also dies, since the drug acts on many types of bacteria (broad spectrum of action). And this leads to the development of INTESTINAL DYSBACTERIOSIS . The condition may not manifest itself in any way, but it can also lead to the development of infections of the gastrointestinal tract (since instead of the dead microflora, many “harmful bacteria” are ingested with food, which populate empty spaces in the intestines), dyspeptic disorders (bloating, diarrhea or constipation, violation of the assimilation of nutrients), decreased immunity.Intestinal dysbiosis is not a disease, it can be in varying degrees – from mild to severe. But it is known for sure that after taking antibiotics, it develops in 99.9% of cases. To prevent this AFTER THE COURSE OF ANTIBIOTICS PROBIOTICS are used – preparations containing live beneficial bacteria. For example, such drugs include linex, bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, etc. Reception should be from the date of antibiotic cancellation DURATION at least 21 days.New beneficial bacteria in the medicine will take the place of the dead. And dysbiosis will be eliminated.

Rule 7: If the duration of effective antibiotic intake is more than 10 days, it is changed to a drug with the opposite mechanism of action.

It should be noted here that for acute infections that are treated at home, taking an antibiotic is usually no more than 5-10 days. Long-term admission is used already in a medical institution, if there is evidence for this.Therefore, this does not concern an ordinary person. About how many days and in what dosage it is worth using the antibiotic. It is better to trust the information that is indicated in the annotation to the drug.

You can also use drugs that stimulate the immune system. If you wish. Do not forget that using CONSTANTLY for the same infection, the same antibiotic CANNOT be . This will lead to the habituation of the microflora to it. And in the end, at some point, the drug will not work.Therefore, if you use the same antibiotic more than 3-4 times, it is better to change it to a drug from another group, also with a broad spectrum of action.

Basic rules for taking antibiotics for effective treatment.

Details

Published: 25 September 2020

Antibiotics fight bacterial infections quickly and effectively.However, the effects of antibiotics can be weakened if we do not follow the rules for their use. Check if you know about the safe use of antibiotics.

1. Take your medication one or two hours after meals . Each meal, especially one that is rich in carbohydrates (for example, vegetables, grain products), reduces the absorption of substances contained in the preparation.
2. Do not chew the tablets or spill the contents of the capsule. If you chew a pill, then a smaller dose of it will enter the stomach.In addition, some drugs must enter the stomach in a shell so that it is not destroyed in hydrochloric acid.
3. Do not take medicines with citrus juices, milk, carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages . The compounds contained in juices make it difficult for drugs to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Milk and dairy products (kefir, yogurt, cheese) contain a lot of calcium, which reacts with many drugs, forming salts insoluble in water – the antibiotic is less absorbed (only 50%) It is better to drink antibiotics with plenty of still water with a low content of mineral salts …
4. The antibiotic should be taken “with a watch in hand” and without changing the dose . As a rule, it is taken at regular intervals: every 4, 6 or 8.12 hours, and new generation drugs 1-2 times a day. It is about maintaining a constant level of the drug in the blood. When the concentration of the antibiotic is insufficient, bacteria will begin to multiply and adapt to new conditions.
5. Observe how your body reacts to antibiotics .As a rule, side effects accompany any therapy. As long as they are less dangerous than the infection itself, the medicine is considered safe. However, in the event of hives, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, you should consult your doctor so that he or she makes a decision to change the drug. In case of choking, swelling of the tongue or throat, pale skin, loss of consciousness, call a doctor immediately. Such symptoms may indicate life-threatening anaphylactic shock. It is rare but requires prompt medical attention.
6. Stop drinking alcohol during treatment . Even mild alcoholic beverages interact with some antibiotics. They can make them more difficult or more difficult for the body to absorb, and sometimes exacerbate side effects.
7. At the time of taking antibiotics, it is worth stopping the use of iron, calcium and preparations used to treat high acidity of the stomach, because they bind each other and are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.Don’t take any vitamins because they are a good breeding ground for bacteria.
8. Do not interrupt the course of treatment immediately after the symptoms have disappeared . Typically, treatment lasts 3, 7, or 10 days or more. But this is decided by the doctor.
9. Most importantly, do not take antibiotics without doctor’s prescription a . People without proper knowledge cannot determine when antibiotics are really needed and which ones should be taken.Very often they begin to accept them unreasonably and not the ones that are needed in this situation. Therefore, it is better to entrust their appointment to a doctor.

The drug, which remained after the previous treatment of a similar disease, may not only not help, but even harm. An accidental antibiotic will wreak havoc on the natural bacterial flora and weaken the immune system.

10. After taking the last dose of antibiotic, take care of the restoration of the natural bacterial flora .Preparations containing live cultures of lactic acid bacteria (for example, Lacidophil, Trilac, Lakcid, Nutriplant) will help you with this. They restore the correct composition of flora and strengthen the body’s natural defenses, preventing further infections.

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fungus after taking antibiotics symptoms and treatment

fungus after taking antibiotics symptoms and treatment

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What is fungus after taking antibiotics, symptoms and treatment?

Phyto-complex Remitazol has a regenerating effect at all levels.It eliminates itching in problem areas and restores the original appearance of the nail. Also, the affected area completely changes, the skin around it becomes soft and pleasant to the touch.

Effect of fungus after taking antibiotics symptoms and treatment

In just 30 days of using Remitazol cream, you can eliminate wounds and ulcers, dry skin cracks between fingers, remove peeling. Intense hydration and softening will maintain the hydro balance and the upper protective layer of the epidermis to prevent re-infection.

Expert opinion

Remitazol is intended for relief of the main symptoms of the disease, prevention of transmission of infection to others and prevention. Fungal infection is extremely resistant to temperature extremes, can persist for a very long time in the external environment, and is considered one of the most contagious. You can pick it up in any public place, and if at least one of the family members already has mycoses of the skin or nails, then all loved ones are at risk.

How to order

In order to place an order for fungus after taking antibiotics, symptoms and treatment, you must leave your contact information on the site.The operator will contact you within 15 minutes. Will clarify all the details with you and we will send your order. In 3-10 days you will receive the parcel and pay for it upon receipt.

Customer Reviews:

Nika

Have you noticed the appearance of peeling, darkening and itching on the skin and horns of the feet, or perhaps you are unsuccessfully fighting the unpleasant odor emanating from them? Such symptoms are characteristic of a fungal infection, which makes the life of an active person a nightmare.Fungus is not only an aesthetic defect, but also a serious symptom complex, inattention to which is fraught with the appearance of various types of allergies, severe lesions of internal organs and even amputation of the affected limbs. Are you afraid of such consequences? In this case, do not hesitate to treat mycosis by choosing Remitazol cream as a therapy.

Fekla Pavlovna

Do not postpone treatment with Remitazole until later. If the fungal infection spreads throughout the body, it can trigger allergic skin reactions.The fungus spreads to all soft tissues and can even reach the bone. The infection also affects internal organs, and can lead to complex diseases of the liver, kidneys and even respiratory organs.

When using the Remitazol complex, the elimination of the fungus occurs very slowly and is harmless to the body. The person does not feel any uncomfortable sensations and does not change his lifestyle in the course of treatment. Where to buy fungus after taking antibiotics symptoms and treatment? Remitazol is intended for relief of the main symptoms of the disease, prevention of transmission of infection to others and prevention.Fungal infection is extremely resistant to temperature extremes, can persist for a very long time in the external environment, and is considered one of the most contagious. You can pick it up in any public place, and if at least one of the family members already has mycoses of the skin or nails, then all loved ones are at risk.

Candidiasis during antibiotic treatment. The mechanism of development of fungal and inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane is of great interest. Fungi of the genus Candida live on the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx.How to treat mycosis of the vagina after taking an antibiotic? Antibiotics work against bacteria, but not against fungi. … If symptoms are very severe or prolonged and the infection is extensive, fluconazole treatment may be necessary. Fungus: where does it appear, what it looks like and how to deal with it – advice and assistance in treating fungal infections. Brittle hair at the base. Symptoms of fungal diseases also depend on the type of lesion. … Refusal of treatment after its start. Patients who do not see an effect in the first few days count.Treatment of skin fungus – broad spectrum preparations. … Antibiotic and antifungal therapy is always available. It is strictly forbidden to choose tablets and other forms of drugs for oral administration at your own discretion. At the first sign of fungus, it is important to choose the best thrush pills for men. … Yeast infections on the skin can usually be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Antifungal antibiotics. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic medicines…. Like other polyene antibiotics, it has significant toxicity (damaging effects) when administered intravenously. Indications for use. Fungal diseases. Thrush after antibiotics is quite common, because. Candidiasis after taking antibiotics: signs, how and how to treat? … The main such fungi are representatives of the genus Candida, which are the main causative agents of thrush. [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]. Please tell me my father was sick with coronavirus, after taking antibiotics in the mouth White plaque (fungus).How should I take flucanazole? Prescribed 150 mg for 7 consecutive days. In this case, fungi that are not affected by antibiotics begin. Before starting treatment for oral candidiasis in adults and children it is necessary. Rinses are carried out 2-3 hours after each meal, before bedtime. The course of therapy is 1-2 weeks. Rinses are carried out until. Treatment of fungus in the mouth with medications. Complex treatment, including taking antifungal drugs. … An excellent environment for the growth of fungi is created in the oral cavity…. After each meal, you should rinse your mouth.

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In just 30 days of using Remitazol cream, you can eliminate wounds and ulcers, cracks between the fingers, dry the skin, remove peeling.Intense hydration and softening will maintain the hydro balance and the upper protective layer of the epidermis to prevent re-infection.

fungus after taking antibiotics symptoms and treatment

Phyto-complex Remitazol has a regenerating effect at all levels. It eliminates itching in problem areas and restores the original appearance of the nail. Also, the affected area completely changes, the skin around it becomes soft and pleasant to the touch.

For the treatment of fungal infections on the nails, except.The choice of remedies for fungus at any stage of pregnancy is the sole prerogative of the attending physician. Mycosis: causes and treatment. Mycosis is a fungal infection. … Here are the reasons that can contribute to the development of fungal diseases: • Weak immunity (promotes the engraftment of the fungus and the development. The fungus is a very unpleasant disease, it is easy for them to get infected and it is not easy to get rid of it.. Infection with a fungal infection is called mycosis. For the treatment of nail fungus, tablets are combined with local forms of drugs.The course of treatment is 150 mg per day for a month, then 150 mg per week for another month.