What should you know about taking Antibiotics?
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are molecules used to treat infection caused by bacteria1.
Some antibiotics stop the growth of bacteria while other antibiotics kill bacterial cells outright1.
When should you take antibiotics?
Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor, for illness caused by bacteria. Antibiotics do not have an effect against viral infections, such as the common cold and flu
1.
Antibiotics should not be prescribed for infections when they are not needed. This leads to the development of antibiotic resistance, which results in these medicines not being effective when they are needed
1. Antibiotic resistance does not only affect the patient who takes the medicine, but also patients to whom the resistant bacteria are transferred
1.
How should you take your antibiotics to help reduce the risk of resistance?
For antibiotics to work well, they have to be taken correctly. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Ask the doctor to prescribe an antibiotic that can be taken once or twice a day as this improves compliance3.
- Take the antibiotics as instructed by the doctor, that is, take the correct dosage, e.g. Take one tablet twice daily3.
- Ensure that you take your antibiotics everyday until you have completed the course.
- For women using the oral contraceptive pill, it is recommended to use alternative contraception for the duration of the antibiotic therapy and for seven days thereafter, initiating this at the start of the antibiotic therapy2.
For further information regarding Antibiotic usage, contact your Healthcare Provider.
References:
[1] Powers JH, Phoenix JA, Zuckerman DM. Antibiotic Uses and Challenges -- A Comprehensive Review from NRCWF. Medscape Family Medicine 2010 [cited 2011/06/23]; Available from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/723457
[2] Chambliss ML. Antibiotics and Oral Contraceptive Failure. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9(Jan):81-2.
[3] Kardas P. Patient compliance with antibiotic treatment for respiratory tract infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2002;49:897-903.