Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Sometimes, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection from developing. This is known as prophylaxis and is especially common before surgery / procedures or in certain medical conditions.
Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. Different types of antibiotics are prescribed to treat different kinds of infection (this also depends on the type of bacteria). The duration of therapy is also dependent on the type and severity of the infection.
Antibiotics do not work against infections that are not caused by bacteria such as viral infections (e.g. in common colds or flu) and fungal infections.
Antibiotics may be taken by mouth as liquids, tablets or capsules or by injection. Those who require antibiotics by injection into the blood vein are usually admitted in the hospital because they have a more serious infection. Antibiotics are also available as eye and ear drops or as creams, ointments or lotions for topical application to the skin.
Common side effects include:
For more information on the side effects caused by specific antibiotics, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Antibiotics can sometimes increase the chance of fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush) or vagina. This is because they kill off the "good" bacteria that help to control the overgrowth of fungi. Hence, the fungi can now grow to a larger number, causing an infection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you develop symptoms such as white patches on the tongue or white, curd-like vaginal discharge and itching.
There are some potentially serious, but rare side effects that may be experienced:
Stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention if you experience the above or any severe allergic reactions like skin rash (with or without blisters, mouth ulcers, fever and itching), swelling of the eyes and lips or difficulty breathing
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any drug allergies, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, pregnant / breastfeeding or taking any other other medicines or herbal supplements before you start taking antibiotics. Alcohol should be avoided while taking certain antibiotics, such as metronidazole.
It is important to follow the instructions stated on the medicine label for the specific antibiotic that you have been prescribed, to ensure that the antibiotic works properly.
Antibiotics are usually taken around the same time every day, where some are to be taken before or after food. In addition, some antibiotics may need to be separated from certain types of food, supplements and other medicines.
Antibiotics applied topically to the skin, eye or ears should be applied to the affected area(s) only. It is important to wash your hands before and after application of the medicine.
If you miss the dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take double the dose. Make sure that the course of treatment is completed.
Some antibiotics may need to be kept in the fridge whereas others need to be kept at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist about the proper storage conditions of the antibiotic you are taking.
It is important to complete the course of antibiotic treatment as prescribed by the doctor and take the correct dose at the right time. Do not stop taking the antibiotic midway, even if you feel better. This is to prevent antibiotic resistance, which may lead to infections that are harder to treat in the future.
