Antibiotics: 10 FAQs and answers
In this article we will describe antibiotics: 10 FAQs and answers.
1. What is an antibiotic? They are medicines that fight bacteria
Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria in humans and animals; by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
Bacteria are germs. They live in the environment and all over the inside and outside of our bodies. Most bacteria are harmless and even helpful to people, but some can cause infections, like Strep A throat.
2. What DO antibiotics treat? They ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria
Such as:
- Strep A throat
- Whooping cough
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis (the body’s extreme response to infection).
3. What DON’T antibiotics treat? They DO NOT work on viruses
Such as those that cause:
- Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
- Most sore throats (except Strep A throat)
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis) and diverticular disease
- Many sinus infections
- Some ear infections.
This is because these illnesses will usually get better on their own, without antibiotics.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed will not help you, and their side effects can still cause harm.
4. What are viruses and bacteria? Both are germs but viruses are different from bacteria
Viruses cause infections, such as colds, flu. and COVID-19. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.
5. How long should antibiotics be taken for? 3, 5 or 7 days (usually)
But it can be two weeks; and sometimes many weeks for long-term infections.
Antibiotics should be taken for as long as the doctor has prescribed them. In fact, take them exactly as your doctor tells you, and they have been prescribed.
Just because the symptoms of the illness subside, it doesn’t mean that all of the bacteria have been killed. Remaining bacteria may cause the illness to start up again.
6. What time of day should you take antibiotics? Take them as written on the prescription
This may be one, two, three or four times a day.
Some antibiotics are always meant to be taken at the same time of day; others are meant to be taken before, with or after a meal. If you are supposed to take the medicine three times a day, for example, it is best to take them at set times; so that the effect is spread out evenly over the course of the day.
You could remember the regular times of 6 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. for an antibiotic that needs to be taken every 8 hours, for example.
7. What are the side effects of antibiotics? Whenever antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects
Common side effects range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:
- Rash
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Yeast infections (e.g vaginal Candida (thrush))
- Antibiotic-resistant infections.
What are more serious side effects of antibiotics?
Answer.
- C. diff infection, which causes diarrhoea that can lead to severe colon damage and death
- Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
- Antibiotic-resistant infections.
Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.
8. Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they are needed? Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics are important to treat infections and have saved countless lives. However, anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health.
When antibiotics are needed, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects or antibiotic resistance. However, too many antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily and misused, which threatens the usefulness of these important drugs.
This is why it is important that we all use antibiotics ONLY when we need them; to protect us from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and to combat antibiotic resistance.
9. What mistakes are made using antibiotics? Wrong antibiotic, wrong dose, wrong route, wrong length of time, not needed
Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person is prescribed:
- The wrong antibiotic
- The wrong dose of an antibiotic
- The wrong route, e.g. oral not I.V. And vice versa
- An antibiotic for the wrong length of time
- They are not needed.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your illness.
10. Can people share antibiotics? Absolutely not
Do not share your antibiotics with others. Similarly, do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
Other questions
How long do antibiotics take to work?
Antibiotics work instantly, but you may not start feeling better until a couple of days into your treatment. How quickly antibiotics work can depend on which antibiotics you are taking and the type/intensity of the infection you are treating.
How long do antibiotics stay in your system?
How long antibiotics stay in your system depends on the type of antibiotic you are taking, plus additional factors like dosage, metabolic rate, age, and body mass. Common antibiotics may stay in your system for up to 24 hours after your final dose.
Summary
We have described antibiotics: 10 FAQs and answers. We hope you have found it helpful.
Other resources
10 most common antibiotics
3 most common antibiotics
What is an antibiotic?
How to use antibiotics: 10 do’s and don’ts
