Antibiotics and Their Side Effects

1.What are Antibiotics?

An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic drugs. Antibiotics are chemicals produced by or derived from microorganisms (i.e. bugs or germs such as bacteria and fungi). The first antibiotic was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 in a significant breakthrough for medical science.

The invention of modern antibiotics has been one of the most important advances in modern technology in the last one hundred years. Few inventions or discoveries in any field of science have had the positive impact on mankind as the widespread use of antibiotics has. In previous centuries, the leading causes of death were almost entirely related to infectious disease. A famous example, the Great Plague, wiped out a quarter of Europe in the 17th Century. Today, the bacteria that caused the Plague is still with us, but it is easily treatable with common antibiotics. The history of Europe, both political, economic and social would have been dramatically different if antibiotics had been available back then.

However, despite all the great things antibiotics have done to promote health and longer lifespans, they are not without their risks. All medications, both natural and man-made carry risks. Of course, many medications, including many antibiotics, are not entirely natural or man-made, but rather a hybrid of the two. But that's a story for a different day. Let's take a look at some of the common side effects and risks associated with antibiotic use.

2.Side effects of antibiotics

Antibiotics can literally save lives and are effective in treating illnesses caused by bacterial infections. However, like all drugs, they have the potential to cause unwanted side effects. Many of these side effects are not dangerous, although they can make life miserable while the drug is being taken.

In general, antibiotics rarely cause serious side effects. The most common side effects from antibiotics are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina can also occur with antibiotics because they destroy the protective 'good' bacteria in the body (which help prevent overgrowth of any one organism), as well as the 'bad' ones, responsible for the infection being treated.

Rare, but more serious side-effects of antibiotics can occur in some people. These include kidney problems, problems with blood clotting, increased sensitivity to the sun, blood disorders and deafness.

Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillins. Allergic reactions cause swelling of the face, itching and a skin rash and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions require prompt treatment.

3.Allergies

Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin and similar medicines such as cephalosporins. If you're allergic to antibiotics, you may get side-effects such as a rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty breathing. This is called an 'anaphylactic' reaction and it can be serious or even fatal. As an alternative to penicillin, doctors may prescribe erythromycin, which works against the same types of bacteria.

Some people think they have had an allergic reaction, when really it was a side-effect. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic before.

4.Special care

You should speak to your doctor before taking antibiotics if you know you have problems with your liver or kidneys.

Before taking antibiotics, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you're taking any other medicines or the contraceptive pill.