Antibiotics Definition

Antibiotics are the collection of drugs used to treat the disease caused by germs such as bacteria and other parasites. Antibiotics are also known as antibacterial. The antibiotic kills and slows down the growth of bacteria. They cannot work against viral infections like flu, common cold, and coughs. In this article, we are going to discuss antibiotics, their features, importance, uses, and many more.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a collection of medicines used to treat bacterial diseases in the human body. They are powerful medicine that kills and prevents the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics only work against a disease caused by bacteria and certain parasites. They cannot work against a disease caused by viruses like flu, common cold, most coughs, and other skin fungal infections. Antibiotics can be taken by mouth like tablets, capsules, liquid, and injections. If the patient is suffering from a serious infection, the antibiotic can be taken through an injection or intravenously. Antibiotics are also available in various kinds like creams, lotions, and ointments to treat skin diseases.

Sometimes, viral diseases or bacterial infection is excessive, and the immune system cannot fight all diseases. In this case, antibiotics are very useful. Penicillin was the first antibiotic. There are various penicillin-based antibiotics available like amoxicillin, penicillin G, quinolones, and ampicillin to treat different diseases and have been around for a long time.

How do antibodies work?

Bacterial diseases are treated with antibiotics. Some of the antibiotics are highly specialized and are effective only against bacteria. Others, known as broad-spectrum antibiotics, target a wide range of bacteria.

Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria. It is also achieved through interfering with the structure of the bacterium or parasite cell wall. Some antibiotics work by stopping the parasite or bacteria from multiplying.

When we use antibiotics?

Antibiotics are usually used for serious infections caused by germs like bacteria or parasites. Most infections are caused by viruses, where antibiotics cannot be used. Even if we suffer from a mild bacterial infection, most bacterial infections can be removed from the immune system. For example, antibiotics generally work little to recover from most throat, nose, and ear infections caused by the bacteria.

Side-effects of Antibiotics

Most side-effects of antibiotics are not much serious. But the following are some common antibiotics side effects as follows:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• With some antibiotics or extended use, mouth, digestive tract, and vagina fungal infections
• Upset stomach

Less common side effects of antibiotics are as follows:

• Formation of kidney stones when sulphonamide is taken
• Blood disorders when trimethoprim is taken.
• Sensitivity to sunlight when tetracycline is taken.
• Abnormal blood clotting, when some cephalosporin.

Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they are necessary?

People can only take antibiotics when needed because they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotics resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change and can resist the antibiotic effects. It ensures that the bacteria are not killed and can continue to grow.

How do we use antibiotics correctly?

If you are taking antibiotics, you must take them responsibly:

• Always follow the instructions carefully. Even when you feel better, finish your medication. If you stop taking medicine too soon, some bacteria may survive and again re-infect you.
• Don't share your antibiotic with anyone.
• Don't save your medicine for later.
• Don't take anyone else's prescription antibiotics. The right treatment for you can be delayed, make you much sicker, or cause side effects.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Antibiotics

There are various advantages and disadvantages of antibiotics. Some of them are as follows:

Advantages of Antibiotics

• Antibiotics may kill and slow down the growth of the bacteria in the body.
• Antibiotics start working within a few hours.
• In some cases, Antibiotics may prevent the infection from occurring before surgery.
• Antibiotics are easy to take. Most antibiotics are taken by mouth. If any person is suffering from a serious infection, the doctor may decide to give an injection.

Disadvantages of Antibiotics

• If patients mostly take antibiotics, the body can create resistance to antibiotic medicine, which can cause antibiotics to become less effective.
• If an antibiotics treatment course would be longer, the body's immune system more damaged.
• Some antibiotics have some side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.