Facts about Using Antibiotics as Methods of Treatment
Antibiotics is known to work on bacterial infection. It is a drug works by killing the bacteria. However, they do not work on viral infection, such as common cold and flu. You are prescribed to take an antibiotic by your doctor only when the bacterial infection is a serious one. They are also known as antibacterial and antimicrobials. It is can be taken as:
- liquids;
- capsules;
- tablets;
- ointment;
- lotion.
Antibiotics can also be taken as an injection. However, it is given only in the hospital under the supervision of a medical expert, when it is a serious one. The ointment and creams are used for the treatment of infection of the skin.
The antibiotics are available under various brand names and they are grouped together on the basis of the manner in which they work. Different types of antibiotics are used for the treatment of different bacterial infection.
The antibiotics work by affecting the structure of the cell of the parasite or the bacteria. Some of the antibiotics work by preventing the bacteria from multiplying while the others work by killing it.
When Should You Take an Antibiotic?
Generally, antibiotics are prescribed for some serious infection caused by the germs. However, if you are having a mild infection, the immune system of the body is capable enough to clear off the infection. Thus, it should not come as a surprise when the doctor does not prescribe an antibiotic for the treatment.
In cases of serious bacterial infection, an antibiotic can be a lifesaver. As a matter of fact, this kind of drug can also be used for the treatment of acne. In such case, it can be taken either by the mouth or applied as an ointment over the skin.
The antibiotic that is prescribed to you by your doctor depends upon your condition and the type of bacterial infection that you are having. Your doctor will check your condition and then will prescribe you the medicine that will combat the infection in the best possible way.
Other factors that decide the antibiotic that you are given are:
- medicines that you are taking;
- the severity of the infection;
- the condition of the kidney and liver;
- a history of an allergy to an antibiotic.
Even if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, it is considered to be safe to take antibiotics. Your doctor might decide to prescribe a particular kind of antibiotic because of a specific kind of infection present in the community.
Precautions to Maintain While Taking Antibiotic
It is important to take the antibiotics of My Canadian Pharmacy in the proper manner. If you fail to follow this then it might affect the way in which it works. Some antibiotics have to be taken with food while others can be taken on an empty stomach. Taking the antibiotics in proper manner might have an effect on its absorption by the body. Thus, you need to follow the instruction that has been provided by the doctor or the leaflet that comes along with it.
It is important to take the entire course of the medication, even after you start feeling better. This is necessary for the healing procedure. When you stop taking an antibiotic in the middle, the bacteria causing the infection will be partially treated, instead of being fully killed. In such a case, bacteria become resistant to that particular antibiotic. Overuse of antibiotic can also change the structure of the bacteria which ultimately makes them resistant to the medicine. Thus, the drug fails to work when required.
What are the Side Effects?
Most of the side effects of antibiotics are not that serious. Some of the common ones are:
- Loose stools;
- Mild stomach upset;
- Diarrhea;
- Nausea.
Very rarely do people have an allergic reaction to this drug from My Canadian Pharmacy. Antibiotics are responsible for killing normal defense bacteria which survives in the vagina or the bowel. This leads to the growth of thrush or other bad bacteria.
There are some serious side effects. If you incur them, you should immediately call for medical help. These side effects are:
- severe diarrhea;
- shortness of breath;
- rash;
- swelling;
- hives;
- vaginal discharge and itching;
- symptoms of vaginal thrush;
- white patches on the tongue;
- vomiting.
The length of the treatment with antibiotic varies with an infection that you are having.