When do antibiotics not work

In very rare cases, this can lead to a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis , which is a medical emergency. Read more about the side effects of antibiotics. Some antibiotics are not suitable for people with certain medical problems, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Only ever take antibiotics prescribed for you — never "borrow" them from a friend or family member. Some antibiotics do not mix well with other medicines, such as the contraceptive pill and alcohol. Read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine carefully and discuss any concerns with your pharmacist or GP.

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but most of them can be classified into 6 groups. Other antibiotics include chloramphenicol used for eye and ear infections , fusidic acid used for skin and eye infections , and nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim used for urinary tract infections.

Page last reviewed: 23 May Next review due: 23 May Antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat: chest infections ear infections in children sore throats When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor's advice on whether you need them or not. When antibiotics are needed Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that: are unlikely to clear up without antibiotics could infect others could take too long to clear without treatment carry a risk of more serious complications People at a high risk of infection may also be given antibiotics as a precaution, known as antibiotic prophylaxis.

How to take antibiotics? Antibiotics can come as: tablets, capsules or a liquid that you drink — these can be used to treat most types of mild to moderate infections in the body creams, lotions, sprays and drops — these are often used to treat skin infections and eye or ear infections injections — these can be given as an injection or through a drip directly into the blood or muscle, and are used for more serious infections Missing a dose of antibiotics If you forget to take a dose of your antibiotics, take that dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take your course of antibiotics as normal.

However, treating viral infections with antibiotics in order to prevent bacterial infections is not recommended because of the risk of causing bacterial resistance:. Remember that antibiotics do not work against viral colds and the flu, and that unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful.

Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotics and find out about the differences between viruses and bacteria, and when antibiotics should and should not be used. If your child receives an antibiotic, be sure to give it exactly as prescribed to decrease the development of resistant bacteria. Have your child finish the entire prescription.

Don't stop when the symptoms of infection go away. Never save the left over antibiotics to use "just in case. Do not share your antibiotics with someone else or take an antibiotic that was prescribed for someone else. Remember that taking antibiotics appropriately and making sure your child receives the proper immunizations will help prevent having to take more dangerous and more costly medicines.

Talk with your healthcare provider for more information. Health Home Wellness and Prevention. There are 2 main types of germs that cause most infections. These are viruses and bacteria. Viruses cause: Colds and flu Runny noses Most coughs and bronchitis Most sore throats Antibiotics cannot kill viruses or help you feel better when you have a virus. Bacteria cause: Most ear infections Some sinus infections Strep throat Urinary tract infections Antibiotics do kill specific bacteria.

The concern is not just for antibiotics, either. According to the U. Drug-resistant bacteria are especially prevalent — and dangerous — in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. The majority of C. How do we fight this deadly trend? We just need to make more antibiotics, right? However, some researchers are developing the next generation of antibiotics by studying and exploiting our natural defense mechanisms.

Research is ongoing to develop new antibiotics , including those with unique mechanisms of activity, to combat C. Superbugs are a major threat to global health, but with rigorous education and innovative research, we still have a chance to beat them. Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical advances.

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