Since the first day of the advent of antibiotics, they have saved millions of lives. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, helping the immune system fight infection. But despite their role as a lifesaver when administered appropriately, using them incorrectly can have serious side effects and cause bacteria to develop resistance. So today we will learn about some antibiotics and how to use them safely.

What are the most popular antibiotics?

There are many classes according to their chemical structure. Also, each class probably acts differently and may be effective against different bacteria. Popular categories include:

Penicillins

• It is the starting point, the first class of antibiotics to be discovered.
• Most bacteria have an outer envelope that protects them. Penicillins prevent bacteria from forming this coat, which leads to the death of the bacteria.
• Penicillins are among the safest antibiotics to use during pregnancy. But you must tell the doctor that you are pregnant before using it
• Breastfeeding moms may use penicillins.

Cephalosporins

• Its mode of action is similar to Penicillins, as it works to prevent bacteria from forming the outer shell, which leads to the death of bacteria.
• Cephalosporins are similar to penicillin so some people who have had an allergic reaction to penicillin may have an allergic reaction to some of the cephalosporins.
• It is one of the safest antibiotics to use during pregnancy. However, it is certainly not without risks and you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Cephalosporins are not recommended for use during breastfeeding as they may affect the baby’s digestive system.

Tetracycline

• Tetracyclines prevent bacteria from producing the proteins they need to grow and reproduce.
• Do not take Tetracyclines with products that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron. These products include some antacids and many vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Cautions about giving tetracyclines to pregnant women. These medications can affect the development of teeth and bones in the fetus and, if taken late in pregnancy, can cause permanent stains on the teeth of the fetus.
• Tetracycline is often contraindicated during breastfeeding

Why should antibiotics be taken only when needed?

They are extremely effective at treating infections and have saved many lives. At the time of its first appearance, many people believed that bacteria-caused illnesses had been eradicated. However, because antibiotics have developed a reputation as “magnificent medications,” they have been administered indiscriminately and irresponsibly. As a result, resistant bacteria strains began to arise. Resistance is becoming more of an issue as antibiotics lose efficacy. Becomes one of the most frequent public health hazards.

This is why it is important that we all use antibiotics only when we need them to protect us from harm caused by unnecessary use.

What is the unnecessary use of antibiotics?

Unnecessary use occurs when you use antibiotics when you don’t need them, such as when you use them for viral infections like the common cold and flu. It also occurs when you take them for bacterial infections that often don’t need antibiotics, such as many sinus infections and some ear infections.

What is the misuse of antibiotics?

Misuse of antibiotics occurs when you take

• The wrong antibiotic or
• Wrong dose or
• For the wrong time period.

How do I use antibiotics correctly?

It is important to:

• Follow instructions carefully. Make sure to take the treatment for the period specified by the doctor, even if you feel better. Because if you stop taking it early, the bacteria may re-infect you.
• Avoid sharing them with others.
• Do not give them to another person.

Consult a pharmacist at al thiqa pharmacy to check if there are any instructions you need to know to get the most out of your medication