Is taking antibiotics dangerous for health?
Vineeta Thapar Answered question January 20, 2023
Antibiotics are drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are classified into different groups based on their chemical structure and mode of action. Some common types of antibiotics include penicillins, tetracyclines, macrolides, and cephalosporins.
While antibiotics can be very effective in treating bacterial infections, there are certain precautions that must be taken when taking them:
- Only take antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional: Never take antibiotics that have been prescribed for someone else or that you have leftover from a previous illness.
- Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment: Taking more or less than the prescribed amount of antibiotics can make the treatment less effective or even harmful.
- Do not stop taking antibiotics early: Even if you start to feel better, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is fully treated.
- Avoid alcohol: Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset and can also decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
- Be aware of potential side effects: Antibiotics can cause a range of side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
- Take care while using antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid antibiotic resistance: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it difficult to treat infections in the future.
- Don’t use antibiotics for viral infections: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds or flu.
- Discipline: Take the antibiotics at the same time every day, it helps with the efficacy of the treatment.
- Keep Your Doctor Updating: Keep your doctor informed if you are already on any other medication, as some antibiotics can interact with other medications and cause adverse effects.
Ashneer Singh Answered question January 20, 2023
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