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Antibiotics are a double-edged sword

• They can save lives when used correctly, but they can be harmful if used in large doses or for long periods.
• Antibiotics are effective and safe drugs for fighting disease when used correctly and under the advice of a doctor.
• In the following article, we will explain what antibiotics are, their uses, side effects, and guidelines for their use

What Are Antibiotics:

• Antibiotics are powerful drugs used to treat infections when the immune system is unable to fight and eliminate them.
• However, they do not treat all types of infections. Antibiotics are effective against infections caused by bacteria but not viruses. They destroy bacteria and prevent their multiplication.

How do antibiotics work?

• The body has an immune system, which functions to combat bacteria through white blood cells (WBCs).
• However, when bacteria multiply and become too numerous, they cannot fully fight them.
• Antibiotics therefore destroy and prevent the multiplication of bacteria.

There are many types of antibiotics, but the two main types they work for include:

• The first type kills bacteria by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall or its cellular contents, destroying them.
• The second type of antibiotic prevents the multiplication of harmful bacteria.

What diseases require antibiotics?
Doctors prescribe antibiotics in the following cases:

● Treating bacterial infections.

● Preventing infections, such as during surgery.

● Treating acne.

● Skin infections.

● Chronic diseases, such as lung diseases.

● Urinary tract infections.

● Middle ear infections.

● Conjunctivitis.

● Sore throat.

Can antibiotics be used to treat the common cold?
Antibiotics are used only to treat bacterial infections. They are ineffective for viral infections such as colds, flu, the flu, and runny noses.

Antibiotic Resistance:
Doctors recommend using antibiotics only when needed because overuse causes antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria do not respond to the antibiotic designed to kill them. Inappropriate prescriptions also increase the incidence of antibiotic resistance. Sometimes, prescriptions for the wrong medication or the wrong dosage lead to antibiotic misuse and side effects.

Possible side effects of antibiotics:

● Diarrhea.

● Nausea.

● Fatigue.

● Vomiting.

● Stomach upset.

● Allergic reactions such as rash or itching.

● Sensitivity to sunlight.

When taking certain types of antibiotics or using them for long periods, the following side effects may occur:

● Antibiotic resistance.

● Fungal infections in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or vagina.

● Low platelet count.

● Kidney stones.

General guidelines for taking antibiotics:
If your doctor prescribes antibiotic treatment, you must adhere to the following advice:

- Carefully follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage of the antibiotic you need.

- Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose.

- Complete your treatment even if you feel better.

- Do not save antibiotics for later.

- Do not share your antibiotics with others.

- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.