Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance
( Public Health)
This page answers your questions about antibiotics.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are substances that prevent the growth of bacteria. They may be entirely derived from natural sources or contain synthetic components (laboratory-made).
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections ,they are ineffective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that live inside the body, on the skin, and in the environment. Their impact can range from mild infections to serious ones that may require hospitalization.
Antibiotics are extremely important—they can improve health and are often life-saving. However, overusing them is generally harmful.
What are the types of antibiotics?
Antibiotics are categorized into classes, including:
Penicillins: e.g., Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin.
Cephalosporins: e.g., Cephalexin, Cefazolin, Cefdinir, Cefaclor, Cefepime, Ceftaroline.
Macrolides: e.g., Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin.
Tetracyclines: e.g., Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline.
Extended-spectrum beta-lactams: e.g., Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Ceftazidime/Avibactam.
Fluoroquinolones: e.g., Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin.
Aminoglycosides: e.g., Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin.
Lincosamides: e.g., Clindamycin.
Nitroimidazoles: e.g.,IVMetronidazole, Tinidazole.
Forms of antibiotics include:
Oral antibiotics: Taken by mouth as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
Topical antibiotics: Applied externally—e.g., creams or ointments for skin infections or antibiotic drops for eyes or ears.
Injectable or IV antibiotics: Administered via injection into a muscle or directly into a vein,typically used for more serious infections.
What are the consequences of misusing antibiotics?
- Using antibiotics when they are not needed, such as for viral infections or mild bacterial infections that may resolve on their own can lead to unnecessary side effects and contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
- Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt in ways that make antibiotics less effective at killing them or stopping their growth. As a result, bacterial infections become significantly harder to treat.
- This is a form of antimicrobial resistance. Similar resistance can also develop in fungi, parasites, and viruses.
- Consequences of antibiotic resistance include:
Increased risk of severe, prolonged illness, or death
Longer hospital stays
More doctor visits
Higher medical costs
What causesDNAantibiotic resistance?
Main contributing factors include:
Overuse of antibiotics: Taking them when they’re not needed.
Misuse of antibiotics: Missing doses, stopping treatment early, or taking someone else’s medication can allow bacteria to survive, multiply, and mutate, making them resistant.
Spontaneous mutation: Sometimes, bacterial DNA changes on its own. The antibiotic may no longer recognize or target the mutated bacteria.
Transmissible resistance: A person infected with resistant bacteria can transmit it to others, spreading hard-to-treat infections.
Antibiotic resistance may lead to the spread of highly resistant diseases that affect individuals, such as pneumonia in the lungs and urinary tract infections like kidney and bladder infections.
How can antibiotic misuse be prevented?
To ensure antibiotics remain effective:
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, including dosage, frequency, duration, and whether to take them with or without food.
Do not save antibiotics for future use.
Never take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
What are common misconceptions about antibiotics?
Some people believe that antibiotics can treat all types of infections, but in fact, they are only effective against bacterial infections and have no effect on viruses such as the common cold or the flu.
Some people believe they can stop taking antibiotics once they start feeling better, but doing so may allow some bacteria to survive and develop resistance. Therefore, it is essential to continue taking the antibiotic for the full duration prescribed by the doctor.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is most at risk for antibiotic-resistant infections?
- Anyone can develop an antibiotic-resistant infection, but the following groups are at higher risk:
- Infants, especially premature babies.
Elderly individuals.
People with weakened immune systems.
- Individuals on long-term antibiotic treatment.
- What are the side effects of antibiotics?
- Side effects vary depending on the type of antibiotic, but commonly include:
- Diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Skin rashes.
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