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Transcript
Antibiotics Introduction Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses. If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. It is important to carefully follow the instructions given to you with the antibiotics. This reference summary will help you better understand antibiotics. It covers how antibiotics work, antibiotic resistance, and how to use antibiotics correctly. Antibiotics Antibiotics are strong medicines. They can be used to treat bacterial infections, including some that can be life threatening. Some antibiotics are broad spectrum. These antibiotics can attack many different types of bacteria. Other antibiotics are more specific and only attack one type of bacteria. Antibiotics can be used to treat some fungal infections. They can also treat infections caused by certain types of parasites. Infections caused by viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Some bacterial infections that may be treated with an antibiotic are: • Bladder infections. • Certain types of skin infections. • Sinus infections that last longer than 2 weeks. • Some types of ear infections. • Strep throat. This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition. ©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com Last reviewed: 05/31/2016 rxf20101 1 Some examples of viral infections that cannot be treated with an antibiotic are: • Colds. • Flu. • Most coughs and bronchitis. • Most ear infections. • Sore throats not caused by strep. • Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis. Taking antibiotics for viral infections will not help you feel better. It will also not cure the infection or prevent others from catching the illness. Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. You increase the chance that bacteria in your body will be able to resist antibiotics each time you take them. How Antibiotics Work Antibiotics normally work by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection. The medicine targets the bacteria, leaving healthy cells alone. Antibiotics directly attack the bacteria cells and injure them. This prevents the bacteria from attacking the body and causing damage. Sometimes antibiotics may keep the bacteria from reproducing instead. These medicines keep nutrients from reaching the bacteria. Without nutrients, the bacteria cannot divide and multiply. Your body’s natural defense system, also called the immune system, can usually take it from there. The immune system is made up of organs and cells that defend the body. The system fights infections and other diseases. The immune system defends the body by: • Creating antibodies that remember and identify specific germs. • Destroying invading germs. • Removing germs from the body. Germs is a word used to describe bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Germs can invade plants, animals, and humans and cause sickness. Antibiotics stop the work of bacteria invading the body. This gives the immune system time to attack the bacteria and get rid of the infection. This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition. ©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com Last reviewed: 05/31/2016 rxf20101 2 Using Antibiotics Correctly Using antibiotics correctly can prevent antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance happens when germs get so strong that they can resist the medicine. Germs can even pass on the resistance to other germs. The more often a person uses an antibiotic, the more likely it is that the germs will resist it. This can make some diseases very hard to control. It can make you sick longer and require more visits to a health care provider. You may need to take drugs that are even stronger. To prevent antibiotic resistance, take the antibiotic exactly as you are told. Follow all directions given to you by your health care provider or your pharmacist. Do not skip doses. Never stop taking an antibiotic without first talking to your health care provider. Even if you are feeling better, finish taking the prescribed amount. If treatment is stopped too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you. Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription. Do not save medication for the next time you are sick. Never take antibiotics or any other medication prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be right for your illness. This can cause antibiotic resistant bacteria. Do not take antibiotics for a viral infection. If you have a viral infection, ask your health care provider about ways to help relieve your symptoms. Summary Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body’s natural defenses can usually take it from there. Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, such as: • Colds. • Flu. • Most coughs and bronchitis. • Sore throats, unless caused by strep. This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition. ©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com Last reviewed: 05/31/2016 rxf20101 3 If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. You increase the chance that bacteria in your body will be able to resist antibiotics each time you take them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. It is important to finish your medicine, even if you feel better. Do not save antibiotics for later or use someone else’s prescription. These steps can help you prevent antibiotic resistance. This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition. ©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com Last reviewed: 05/31/2016 rxf20101 4