Antibiotics comes in variety of medicines that fight against bacterial infection in humans and animals. It is a important type of antibacterial agent for fighting against bacterial infection. They may kill or stop the growth of bacteria in human and animal bodies. Antibiotics can prevent the spread of diseases and reduce serious diseases complications. It works by blocking vital process in bacteria. It helps to boost your immune system for fighting against bacteria.
Type of Antibiotics
There are various types of antibiotics with different classes and groups depends on their characteristics and chemical structure. some of such group or classes of such medicine are following :
Penicillin : Used for preventing many infections like skin infection, chest infection, urinary infection etc. for example : Amoxicillin (Amoxil).
Macrolides : It is an alternative of penicillin and used for infections like chest infection and lung infection. For example : Erythromycin (Ery-tab) , Azithromycin (Zithromax).
Fluoroquinolones : Mainly used for treating a large variety of bacterial infections. For example : Levofloxacin (Levaquin) , Ciprofloxacin (cipro).
Cephalosporins : Used for treating serious infections that can cause serious illness. For example : Cefdinir, cephalexin.
Tetracyclines : Used for treating acne and many skin problems. For example : Minocycline, doxycycline, rolitetracycline.
Aminoglycosides : Used for treating serious illness and many other condition . It is mainly used in hospitals. For example : Gentamicin, Tobramycin.
Benefits of Antibiotics
There are many health benefits of consuming such medicine as they are helpful in preventing bacterial infection and stop the growth of bacteria in human beings and animal bodies. Some of such health benefits of consuming antibiotics are following :
- Successfully clear bacterial infection from your body.
- Stop you from spreading the infection to others.
- Protect you from serious illness and health complications.
- Speed up your recovery.
Side effects of Antibiotics
As we studies above, there are many benefits of consuming such medicines but there are some side effects too. Some of such side effects of consuming it are following:
- Rash.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Yeast infection.
- Allergic reactions.
- Stomach upset.
- Mental confusion.
- Fever.
- Low platelet count.
- Hearing loss.
- Formation of kidney stones.
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Swelling of tongue and face.
- Vomiting.
- Anxiety.
- Nausea.
- Cramps.
Ways to use/consume antibiotics
Some antibiotics are always meant to be taken at the same time of day, other’s are meant to be taken before, with or after a meal. It is the best way to consume them before consuming or eating food.
Flucloxacillin and Penicillin are the types of antibiotics that should taken before any meal.
Antibiotic like Metronidazole, Trimethoprim, Doxycycline, Nitrofurantoin, should be taken after food.
It is best to take such type of medicines exactly as prescribed by doctor. It is mostly taken directly by mouth but In some cases, doctors inject such antibiotics through injection in your body at the infected area.
When you use antibiotics, it is important that, you take them responsibly :
- Do not share such medicines with others.
- Don’t save them for later use.
- Do not use such medicines prescribed by anybody and prescribed for someone else. This can cause various side effects to your body and health.
- It is important to complete the course of it’s consumption. finish medicine even if you feel better because if you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and cause infection at the same area or place again.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are medicines that helps to stop or prevent infection caused by bacteria. They kill the bacteria and stop their growth and reproduction. But there are some limitations that only bacterial infection can be killed with such medicines. The fever, flu, cold, cough are caused due to viruses and antibiotics won’t work to treat them. Consuming such medicine have many benefits but it also have some side effects. So, it is advised to consume such type of medicines only by the direction and prescription of a certified doctor.