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How Do Antibiotics Work?
Healthline's
Medical Network
Antibiotics are medications used to fight infections
caused by bacteria.
They’re also called antibacterials. They treat infections
by killing or decreasing the growth of bacteria.
The first modern-day antibiotic was used in 1936.
Before antibiotics, 30 percent of all deaths were caused by bacterial
infections. Thanks to antibiotics, previously fatal infections are curable.
Today, antibiotics are still powerful, life-saving
medications for people with certain serious infections. They can also prevent
less-serious infections from becoming serious.
There are many classes of antibiotics. Certain types of
antibiotics work best for specific types of bacterial infections.
Antibiotics come in many forms, including:
·
tablets
·
capsules
·
liquids
·
creams
·
ointments
Most antibiotics are only available with a prescription
from your doctor. Some antibiotic creams and ointments are available over the
counter.
Antibiotics fight bacterial infections either by killing
bacteria or slowing and suspending its growth.
They do this by:
·
attacking the wall
or coating surrounding bacteria
·
interfering with
bacteria reproduction
·
blocking protein
production in bacteria
Antibiotics begin to work right after you start taking
them. However, you might not feel better for two to three days.
How quickly you get better after antibiotic treatment
varies. It also depends on the type of infection you’re treating.
Most antibiotics should be taken for 7 to 14 days. In some
cases, shorter treatments work just as well. Your doctor will decide the best
length of treatment and correct antibiotic type for you.
Even though you might feel better after a few days of
treatment, it’s best to finish the entire antibiotic regimen in order to fully
resolve your infection.
This can also help prevent antibiotic resistance. Don’t
stop your antibiotic early without first talking with your healthcare provider.
The first beta-lactam antibiotic, penicillin, was
discovered by accident. It was growing from a blob of mold on a petri dish.
Scientists found that a certain type of fungus naturally
produced penicillin. Eventually, penicillin was produced in large quantities in
a laboratory through fermentation using the fungus.
Some other early antibiotics were produced by bacteria
found in ground soil.
Today, all antibiotic medications are produced in a lab.
Some are made through a series of chemical reactions that produce the substance
used in the medication.
Other antibiotics are at least partially made through a
natural but controlled process.
This process is often enhanced with certain chemical
reactions that can alter the original substance to create a different
medication.
However, some antibiotics are now less useful than they
once were due to an increase in antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria can no longer
be controlled or killed by certain antibiotics.
In some cases, this can mean there are no effective
treatments for certain conditions.
Each year, 2 million people
are infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, resulting in at
least 23,000 deaths.
When you take an antibiotic, the sensitive bacteria are
eliminated.
The bacteria that survive during antibiotic treatment are
often resistant to that antibiotic. These bacteria often have unique
characteristics that prevent antibiotics from working on them.
Some serious antibiotic-resistant infections include:
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
The overgrowth of this type of bacteria causes infection
in both your small and large intestines. This often occurs after someone’s
treated with antibiotics for a different bacterial infection. C. diff is
naturally resistant to many antibiotics.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
(VRE)
These bacteria often infect your bloodstream,
urinary tract, or surgical wounds. This infection typically occurs in people
who are hospitalized. Enterococci infections may be treated with the antibiotic
vancomycin, but VRE is resistant to this treatment.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)
This type of infection is resistant to traditional staph
infection antibiotics. MRSA infections typically occur on your
skin. It’s most common in people in hospitals and those with weakened immune
systems.
Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
This class of bacteria are resistant to a lot of other
antibiotics. CRE infections typically occur in people in hospitals and who are
on a mechanical ventilator or have indwelling catheters.
The most important cause of antibiotic resistance is
inappropriate use or overuse of antibiotics.
As much as 30 percent of antibiotic use is thought to be
unnecessary. This is because antibiotics are often prescribed when they aren’t
needed.
Several important steps can be taken to decrease
inappropriate antibiotic use:
· Take antibiotics
only for bacterial infections. Don’t use antibiotics for conditions caused by viruses such as
the common cold, flu, cough, or sore throat.
· Take antibiotics as
directed by your healthcare provider. Using the wrong dose, skipping doses, or taking it longer or
shorter than directed might contribute to bacteria resistance. Even if you feel
better after a few days, talk with your healthcare provider before
discontinuing an antibiotic.
· Take the right
antibiotic. Using the wrong
antibiotic for an infection might lead to resistance. Don’t take antibiotics
prescribed for someone else. Also, don’t take antibiotics left over from a
previous treatment. Your healthcare provider will be able to select the most
appropriate antibiotic for your specific type of infection.
Have medical questions? Connect with a board-certified,
experienced doctor online or by phone. Pediatricians and other specialists
available 24/7.
Antibiotics are used for treating infections caused by
bacteria. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine if your infection is caused by
bacteria or a virus because the symptoms are often very similar.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and
conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of your infection.
In some cases, they may request a blood or urine test to
confirm the cause of infection.
Some common bacterial infections include:
·
sinus and ear infections
Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, such as
the common cold or flu.
They also don’t work on infections caused by fungi, such as:
·
fungal toenail infections
·
ringworm
These are treated with a different group of medications
called antifungals.
Most antibiotics have similar side effects. Perhaps the
most common side effect is gastrointestinal (GI) upset, including:
·
diarrhea
·
nausea
·
vomiting
·
cramps
In some cases, these side effects can be reduced if you
take the antibiotic with food. However, some antibiotics must be taken on an
empty stomach.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take
your antibiotic.
GI upset usually goes away after you stop treatment. If it
doesn’t, you should call your doctor. Also, call your doctor if you develop:
·
severe diarrhea
·
stomach pain and
cramping
·
blood in your stool
·
fever
Antibiotics are most effective when used appropriately.
This starts with ensuring that you really need the antibiotic.
Only use antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for a
bacterial infection.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to
take your antibiotic. Some should be taken with food to reduce side effects but
others need to be taken on an empty stomach.
Antibiotics should also be taken in the prescribed amount
and for the directed length of treatment.
You might feel better within a few days after starting the
antibiotic but you should talk with your healthcare provider before stopping
your treatment early.
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, DO on May 4,
2018 — Written by Healthline's Medical Network
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