Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria, like strep throat or urinary tract infections. They can be taken by mouth (oral), or applied to the skin or eye (topical). Bacteria that grow resistant to antibiotics are more difficult to treat and can spread to other people.
When used properly, antibiotics work quickly to stop infection and reduce the risk of complications. But antibiotics are often overused or misused, reducing their effectiveness and contributing to the rise of resistant bacteria.
Some antibiotics work by killing bacteria, while others prevent them from multiplying. The type of antibiotic prescribed depends on the type of bacterial infection and your overall health. There is no one “magic bullet” that will cure every infection, and antibiotics don’t work against viruses, such as a cold or most coughs.
It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics to help decrease resistant bacteria. It’s also important not to save leftover antibiotics for later use, as this can increase the chances of getting an infection that is resistant to multiple antibiotics. If you miss a dose of antibiotics, take it as soon as you remember, but don’t take a double dose to make up for it.
Various factors contribute to overuse and misuse of antibiotics. These include patient demands and expectations, lack of diagnostic facilities, financial incentives, and medical professionals’ heavy workloads. They are not solely responsible, however, as social factors also influence the emergence and spread of resistance.
About the Author
