What will antibiotics treat

As with any medication, antibiotics can cause side effects. Most antibiotics don't cause problems if they're used properly and serious side effects are rare. Some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and a type called cephalosporins.

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 aren't suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should only ever take antibiotics prescribed for you — never "borrow" them from a friend or family member. Some antibiotics can also react unpredictably with other medications, such as the oral contraceptive pill and alcohol.

It's important to read the information leaflet that comes with your medication carefully and discuss any concerns with your pharmacist or GP. Read more about how antibiotics interact with other medicines. There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but most of them can be broadly classified into six groups.

These are outlined below. Both the NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially for conditions that aren't serious. The overuse of antibiotics in recent years means they're becoming less effective and has led to the emergence of "superbugs".

These are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to many different types of antibiotics, including:. These types of infections can be serious and challenging to treat, and are becoming an increasing cause of disability and death across the world.

The biggest worry is that new strains of bacteria may emerge that can't be effectively treated by any existing antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infections. They aren't effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. For example, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat chest infections, ear infections in children and sore throats.

Read more about antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may also be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of infection.

This may include:. Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent, rather than treat, an infection. This is known as antibiotic prophylaxis.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is normally recommended if you're having surgery on a certain part of the body which carries a high risk of infection or where infection could lead to devastating effects. Antibiotic prophylaxis may be recommended for a wound that has a high chance of becoming infected — this could be an animal or human bite , for example, or a wound that has come into contact with soil or faeces.

There are several medical conditions that make people particularly vulnerable to infection, making antibiotic prophylaxis necessary.

For example, the spleen plays an important role in filtering out harmful bacteria from the blood. People who have had their spleen removed, people having chemotherapy for cancer, or those with the blood disorder sickle cell anaemia , where their spleen doesn't work properly, should take antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, antibiotic prophylaxis is prescribed for people who experience a recurring infection that's causing distress or an increased risk of complications, such as:.

Don't take one of the penicillin-based antibiotics if you've had an allergic reaction to them in the past. People who are allergic to one type of penicillin will be allergic to all of them. People with a history of allergies, such as asthma , eczema or hay fever , are at higher risk of developing a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to penicillins, although cases are rare. Tell your healthcare professional if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, so they can prescribe the most suitable antibiotic for you.

If you previously had an allergic reaction to penicillin, there's a chance that you may also be allergic to cephalosporins. Cephalosporins may not be suitable if you have kidney disease, but if you need one you will probably be given a lower than usual dose.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have acute porphyria, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking cephalosporins. Aminoglycosides are normally only used in hospital to treat life-threatening conditions such as septicaemia, as they can cause kidney damage in people with pre-existing kidney disease.

Common viral infections, like coughs or a cold, can sometimes become complicated and a bacterial infection can develop. 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. 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.

Accidentally taking an extra dose There's an increased risk of side effects if you take 2 doses closer together than recommended. Side effects of antibiotics As with any medicine, antibiotics can cause side effects. The good news?

Atrium Health's Approach to Antibiotics. The flu is a common respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In fact, in many cases, taking antibiotics for the flu can make you sicker or make your sickness last longer. Experts agree that the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. You should also make sure to cover your sneeze or cough, and wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you do get sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms, stay home until your symptoms go away — and encourage others to do the same.

If your symptoms become severe, make sure to see your doctor or use one of our online or walk-in options for care.