Download Antibiotics - Dr Magrann

ANTIBIOTICS
Briana Kim
DEFINING ANTIBIOTICS



Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are
types of medications that destroy or slow down
the growth of bacteria.
The Greek word anti means “against”, and the
Greek word bios means “life” (bacteria are life
forms).
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by
bacteria, which are microscopic organisms that
can cause illness.
WHEN DO WE NEED ANTIBIOTICS?




Before bacteria can multiply and cause
symptoms, the body’s immune system can
usually destroy them.
People have special white blood cells (WBCs) that
attack harmful bacteria.
Even if symptoms occur, our immune system can
usually cope and fight off the infection.
However, there are occasions when it is too much
and some help is needed from antibiotics.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST ANTIBIOTIC?

Penicillin

Penicillin-related drugs:
Ampicillin
 Amoxicillin
 Benzylpenicillins



Penicillin-related antibiotics are widely used today to
treat a variety of infections and have been around for
a long time.
There are several different types of modern
antibiotics and they are only available with a doctor’s
prescription in industrialized countries.
WORLDWIDE ISSUES REGARDING
ANTIBIOTICS

There is a concern that antibiotics are being
overused. Antibiotic overuse is one of the factors
that contribute towards an increasing number of
bacterial infections that are becoming resistant
to antibacterial medications. According to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), outpatient antibiotic overuse in the
United States is a particular problem in the
Southeast.
WORLDWIDE ISSUES REGARDING
ANTIBIOTICS


According to the European Center for Disease
Prevention and Control (ECDC), antibiotic resistance
continues to be a serious public health threat
worldwide. On November 19, 2012, the ECDC
informed that an estimated 25,000 people die each
year in the European Union (EU) from antibioticresistant bacterial infections.
New ECDC data has shown that there has been a
considerable increase over the last years of combined
resistance to multiple antibiotics in E. coli and
Klebsiella pneumoniae in over one third of EU and
European Economic Area (EEA) nations.
Consumption of carbapenems, a major class of lastline antibiotics increased significantly from 2007 to
2010.
HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK

Even though there are many different types of
antibiotics, they all work in one of two ways:

A bactericidal antibiotic kills the bacteria and either
interferes with the formation of the bacterium’s cell
wall or its cell contents.


Example: Penciillin
A bacteriostatic antibiotic stops bacteria from
multiplying
WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTICS FOR?

An antibiotic is used for treating an infection
caused by bacteria. Antibiotics target
microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and
parasites. However, they are not effective against
viruses. If a person has an infection, it is
important to know whether it is caused by
bacteria or a virus. Most upper respiratory tract
infections like the common cold and sore throats
are generally caused by viruses, which means
that antibiotics don’t work against these viruses.
WHEN CAN SOMEONE BECOME
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT?


If antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly,
there is a chance that the bacterial will become
resistant.
When the bacterial becomes resistant, the
antibiotic becomes less effective against that type
of bacterium.
WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTICS FOR?




Broad spectrum antibiotics can be used to treat a
wide range of infections.
Narrow spectrum antibiotics are only effective
against a few types of bacteria.
There are antibiotics that attack aerobic bacteria,
while others work against anaerobic bacteria.
Prophylactic use of antibiotics may be given
beforehand to prevent infection, which is
commonly used before bowel and orthopedic
surgery.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF
ANTIBIOTICS?

Most common side effects:
Diarrhea
 Feeling and being sick
 Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina


Rare side effects:





Formation of kidney stones (when taking sulphonamides)
Abnormal blood clotting (when taking some
cephalosporins)
Sensitivity to sun (when taking tetracyclines)
Blood disorders (when taking trimethoprim)
Deafness (when taking erythromycin and the
aminoglycosides)
SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF A SIDE EFFECT
FOR ANTIBIOTICS



Some patients, especially older ones, may
experience inflamed bowels (a type of collitis),
which can lead to severe diarrhea.
Clindamycin, an antibiotic used for the most
serious infections, commonly has this side effect.
However, penicillins, cephalosporins, and
erythromycin might cause the same side effect.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO ANTIBIOTICS


Some patients may develop an allergic reaction to
antibiotics, especially penicillins.
Side effects:
Rash
 Swelling of the tongue and face
 Difficulty in breathing


Reactions to antibiotics can be serious and/or
fatal, which includes anaphylactic reactions.
ANTIBIOTICS MAY INTERACT WITH OTHER
MEDICINES


Penicillins, cephalosporins, and some other
antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives
If the antibiotic has caused diarrhea/vomiting,
the absorption of contraceptives may also be
disrupted.
HOW SHOULD ANTIBIOTICS BE USED?


Antibiotics are usually taken orally, but they can
also be administered by injection or by topical
route to the affected area on the body.
Most antibiotics start having an effect on an
infection within a few hours. It is important to
complete the whole course of the medication to
prevent it from coming back. If it not taken in its
entirety, there is a higher chance the bacteria
may become resistant to future treatments.
HOW SHOULD ANTIBIOTICS BE USED?



Some antibiotics should not be taken with certain
foods or drinks.
Others should not be taken with food in the
stomach.
Examples:
Alcohol should not be taken with metronidazole.
 Dairy products should not be taken with
tetracyclines, as they might affect the absorption of
the medication.
