Introduction
Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria or make it hard for them to grow and multiply. They are most often given orally (by mouth), but may also be given through injection or intravenously (IV).
Uses of Antibiotics
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, bladder and urinary tract infections, and E. coli. Taking antibiotics as directed by your health worker is the best way to treat an infection and reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Never share your antibiotics with others or save them for later, as this can delay the best treatment and cause side effects.
Antibiotic Resistance
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when they change in ways that the medicine cannot target them. They are sometimes resistant to several different antibiotics, and they may even be resistant to the same drug! This happens when the genetic makeup of the bacteria changes or mutates, making the medicine work less well against them. The resistant bacteria can then spread to other people, causing new infections.
Antimicrobial Stewardship
A new generation of antibiotics is being developed and introduced, with some aiming to prevent resistance from occurring in the first place. This is called antimicrobial stewardship.
Importance of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most important medicines in the world today, helping to control more than half of all infectious diseases worldwide. These drugs are available in many forms, including pills, tablets, ointments, liquids, and sprays.
Types of Antibiotics
There are two main types of antibiotics: bactericidal and bacteriostatic. The bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria by disrupting their growth and reproduction, while the bacteriostatic antibiotics prevent the growth of bacteria by preventing their cells from getting enough energy or nutrients to produce more.
Choosing the Right Antibiotic
Choosing the right antibiotic for your situation is important and can depend on a number of factors, such as what type of infection you have and where it is located. Other factors include how old you are, what medications you take, your kidney and liver function, whether you have any allergies or other conditions, and how long you have had the infection.
Common Antibiotics
The most common antibiotics are penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, and quinolones. These antibiotics all target a range of different bacterial strains.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are particularly effective against a variety of bacteria, and have been used to treat a wide range of infections since they were first discovered in 1927. They are strong chelators, meaning they can bind to a substance in a bacterial cell and stop it from producing energy or nutrients. They also affect the molecule that tells the bacterium to make a protein that helps it survive. The most common tetracyclines are doxycycline, erythromycin, and gentamicin. Most tetracyclines have relatively low side effects, but some can cause severe ones, such as skin reactions and bone damage. If you have a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics, talk to your doctor before you start taking them.
Proper Use of Antibiotics
The antibiotics you use need to be taken in the correct dosage, frequency, and duration for a particular infection. If you take them too much, they can kill good bacteria that are helping the infection. If you take them too little, they can also be ineffective against the infection.
