Antibiotics are a class of medications that are prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections. According to doctors, they work by inhibiting the growth or destroying bacteria, thereby helping the body’s immune system to overcome the infection.
It is noteworthy that antibiotics can be effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, and they are a crucial tool in modern medicine for treating various infections.
What are the types of antibiotics?
There are different classes of antibiotics, each with its own mechanism of action. Some common types of antibiotics include:
- Penicillins: These antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, interfere with the formation of bacterial cell walls, leading to the rupture of the bacteria.
- Cephalosporins: Similar to penicillins, cephalosporins also disrupt the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.
- Tetracyclines: Tetracycline antibiotics inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying.
- Macrolides: Antibiotics like erythromycin and azithromycin interfere with bacterial protein synthesis.
- Fluoroquinolones: These antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication and repair.
- Sulfonamides: These antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), interfere with folic acid synthesis in bacteria, which is essential for their growth.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections
It’s important to note that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections (such as the common cold or flu) because viruses have different structures and life cycles compared to bacteria.
Doctors often warn that misuse or overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve and become less susceptible to the effects of antibiotics, making it more challenging to treat infections.
Consequently, it is crucial to use antibiotics only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to complete the full course of treatment.
Dr. Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals highlights some Dos and Don’ts that one should keep in mind while taking antibiotics.
Dos:
- Take antibiotics as prescribed: Follow the dosage, frequency, and duration specified by your healthcare provider. Finish the entire course even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
- Use antibiotics for bacterial infections: Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), certain types of pneumonia, and bacterial sinusitis. They do not work against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Consult a healthcare professional: Seek advice from a healthcare provider before taking antibiotics. They will determine if antibiotics are necessary, prescribe the appropriate type, and ensure it’s suitable for your specific condition.
- Take antibiotics on time: Adhere strictly to the schedule provided by your doctor. Missing doses or irregular intake can reduce their effectiveness and promote antibiotic resistance.
Don’ts:
- Avoid self-medication: Do not take antibiotics without a prescription or share antibiotics with others. Taking antibiotics not specifically prescribed for your condition can be ineffective and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Skipping doses or stopping early: Never skip doses or stop taking antibiotics prematurely, even if symptoms improve. Incomplete treatment can lead to bacteria developing resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
- Using antibiotics for viral infections: Antibiotics do not treat viral infections like the flu, common cold, most sore throats, and some ear infections. Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses is ineffective and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
- Ignoring side effects: Be aware of potential side effects and adverse reactions to antibiotics. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms or reactions.
“Understanding when antibiotics are necessary and using them appropriately is crucial to preserve their effectiveness and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Always seek guidance from a healthcare professional to determine the right course of action for your specific health condition,” Dr. Modi told Finanicial Express.com.
