Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines used to kill bacteria that cause infections.
A doctor will choose an antibiotic to treat an illness based on:
- Whether taking an antibiotic will reduce the length or severity of the illness.
- Whether the person is allergic to any antibiotics.
- How likely it is that a certain antibiotic will kill the bacteria believed to be causing the symptoms.
- The symptoms and the severity of the illness.
- Other medical problems that the person has.
- The person's age. (For example, some antibiotics are not safe for children.)
- Whether a woman is pregnant.
Why are antibiotics used?
Antibiotics are drugs used to kill bacteria. Bacteria can cause infections such as strep throat, ear infections, and pneumonia.
These medicines can't cure everything. They don't kill viruses or help with allergies. And they don't help illnesses such as the common cold, the flu, or a runny nose.
Antibiotics are generally safe and very effective at fighting bacterial infections.
What are some examples of antibiotics?
Here are some examples of antibiotics. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by any brand names.
- amoxicillin
- azithromycin (Zithromax)
- cephalexin (Keflex)
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
This is not a complete list of antibiotics.
Who should take antibiotics to prevent endocarditis?
If you have certain heart conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before you have some dental or surgical procedures that could put bacteria or fungi into your blood. The antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis.
These heart conditions include:
- A repaired or replaced heart valve.
- Endocarditis in the past.
- Heart defects since birth (congenital heart defects).
- Heart valve problems after a heart transplant.
Your doctor can tell you whether you need to take antibiotics. Before you have any medical, dental, or surgical procedures, tell all other health professionals who may treat you that you are at risk for endocarditis.
Your doctor can issue you a special card to carry in your wallet if you require preventive antibiotics before certain dental or surgical procedures. Your condition and specific antibiotic requirements are outlined on this card. The card is signed by your doctor.
What are the side effects of antibiotics?
Side effects can include:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Skin rash.
- Yeast infection.
- A severe allergic reaction. It may cause itching, swelling, and breathing problems. This is rare.
You may have other side effects or reactions not listed here. Check the information that comes with your medicine.
What are some cautions about antibiotics?
Cautions for antibiotics include the following:
- Don't take antibiotics if you don't need them. If you take them when they're not needed, any bacteria that don't die can change and become harder for the antibiotics to kill in the future. This is called antibiotic resistance.
- Take your antibiotics as directed. This will help make sure your infection is cured. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better.
How can you safely take antibiotics?
Be safe with medicine. Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of medicine. This will help make sure your infection is cured. It will also help prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Always take the exact amount that the label says to take. If the label says to take the medicine at a certain time, follow those directions.
You might feel better after you take an antibiotic for a few days. But it is important to keep taking it for as long as prescribed. That will help you get rid of those bacteria that are a bit stronger and that survive the first few days of treatment.
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