Antibiotics are among the most important medical achievements that save millions of lives, so what are they? How does it work? And what cases do you treat? And what are its side effects? What is the best drink to take with her?
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading, according to the UK's National Health Service.
Types of antibiotics
What types of antibiotics?
Many antibiotics are available under different brand names, and they are usually grouped together based on how they work.
Each type of antibiotic works only against certain types of bacteria or parasites, which is why they are used differently to treat multiple types of infections, according to patient.info .
The main types of antibiotics include:
1- Penicillin
Such as Phenoxymethylpenicillin, Flucloxacillin and Amoxicillin.
2- Cephalosporins
Such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, and cefalexin.
3- Tetracyclines
Such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline, and Lymecycline.
4- Aminoglycosides
Such as gentamicin and tobramycin.
5- Macrolides
Such as erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.
6- Clindamycin
7- Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim
such as Co-trimoxazole.
8- Metronidazole and Tinidazole
9- Quinolones
Such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Norfloxacin.
10- Nitrofurantoin
Which is used for urinary tract infections.
What is the best antibiotic?
There is no such thing as the best antibiotic. Every disease needs a specific treatment. In some cases, you need a specific type of antibiotic, and some cases, such as a cold, do not need an antibiotic at all.
When is the antibiotic used?
Antibiotics are powerful drugs used to fight infection, although not all infections are treated.
While antibiotics may be effective against infections caused by bacteria (germs), they are not effective against viruses.
Like all medicines, antibiotics can have side effects. So they should only be used when necessary, and taking an antibiotic you don't need can be harmful, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Does the antibiotic treat the infection?
Inflammation is one of the body's primary defenses against invaders. Swelling, redness and other signs of inflammation are part of the automatic reaction to a variety of conditions, from minor scratching to a life-threatening infection.
This is especially true with bacterial infections, when the immune system is activated to help keep the infection localized, kill invading microorganisms, and pave the way for healing and recovery.
But inflammation also causes pain and discomfort, and can lead to other health problems in cases of allergies and autoimmune disorders. Here antibiotics help the immune system beat the infection by killing bacteria or limiting their growth.
Evidence suggests that some antibiotics may also play a role in reducing the inflammatory response itself.
However, antibiotics should be used according to the doctor's instructions; There are indications that these antibiotics may in some cases lead to increased inflammation . Therefore, in sum, it should not be used to treat any inflammation or infection without consulting a doctor.
Mechanism of action of antibiotics
Antibiotics work by blocking the biological processes in the bacteria, killing the bacteria or preventing them from multiplying. This helps the body's natural immune system to fight off the bacterial infection.
Different antibiotics work against many types of bacteria, according to NBS MedicineWise .
common diseases
Cold/runny nose caused by a virus, Antibiotics are not required.
Bronchitis/colds (in children and healthy adults) caused by a virus. Antibiotics are not required.
Whooping cough, which is caused by bacteria, needs antibiotics.
Influenza virus, Antibiotics are not required.
Strep throat, Treatment requires antibiotics.
Viral sore throat, Antibiotics are not required.
Fluid in the middle ear, otitis media with secretion caused by a virus. Antibiotics are not required.
Urinary tract infection caused by bacteria. Treatment requires antibiotics.
The right drink with the antibiotic
The Secretary General of the German Society of Internal Medicine, Professor Ulrich Folch, says that water is the best drink for taking an antibiotic.
And Fulch advises - in statements to the German News Agency - not to consume milk or any of its products for two hours before taking the antibiotic and two hours after it.
How to take the antibiotic
German pharmacist Ursula Zellerberg says that strict adherence to how to take the antibiotic specified by the doctor, explaining that taking the antibiotic 3 times a day means taking it every 8 hours.
The specified period must be adhered to. If the antibiotic is to be taken for 5 days, it must be taken throughout this period, and it is not permissible to stop it even if you feel better after only two days, because it is possible that the bacteria may not be completely eradicated.
Zellerberg stressed the need to dispose of the remaining antibiotic and not store it for later use or even to transfer it to other patients.
Side effects of antibiotics
As with any medicine, antibiotics can cause side effects.
Common side effects include:
Feeling sick
Bloating and indigestion
Diarrhea
Some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillins and cephalosporins, and in very rare cases this can lead to a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a medical emergency that requires an ambulance because it is life-threatening.
Duration of antibiotic treatment
The length of treatment varies greatly, and depends on the type of infection you have, how severe it is, and how quickly you improve after starting treatment.
Antibiotic treatment can be extended to:
Only a few days, such as a urinary tract infection.
A week or two, such as in the case of pneumonia.
A few months as in bone infections.
Several months, as in cases of acne.
Best antibiotic for urinary tract infection
There is no "best antibiotic for a UTI", but there are options for each case.
In general, antibiotics commonly used to treat minor urinary tract infections, according to the Mayo Clinic , include:
Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole
Fosfomycin
Nitrofurantoin
Cephalexin
Ceftriaxone
Antibiotic for acne
It depends on the situation, and usually the first choice for acne treatment is tetracycline or a macrolide, according to the Mayo Clinic .
A macrolide may be an option for people who can't take tetracycline, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.
Dental antibiotic
It depends on the case, but generally dentists prefer to prescribe amoxicillin and metronidazole or co-amoxiclav to control dental infections. Furthermore, clindamycin is an alternative drug for patients allergic to penicillin.
Misuse of antibiotics
Misuse of antibiotics means the following:
Taking an antibiotic for a condition you don't need, such as taking penicillin to treat the flu.
Take the antibiotic for a shorter period of time than directed by the attending physician, and not complete the therapeutic dose.
Continuously taking the antibiotic for longer than required.
Take more or less doses.
And the misuse of antibiotics leads to a serious problem, which is antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change themselves in response to antibiotic use. Bacteria - not humans or animals - are resistant to antibiotics, and may cause infections in humans and animals that are more difficult to treat than those caused by their non-antibiotic resistant counterparts, according to the World Health Organization .
Antibiotic resistance increases medical costs, lengthens hospital stays, and increases mortality.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and development today.
Antibiotic resistance can harm anyone, regardless of age and country of residence.
The increasing number of infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and gonorrhea, have become more difficult to treat as the antibiotics that were used to treat them became less effective.
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