Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by some germs (bacteria and certain parasites). A parasite is a type of germ that needs to live on or in another living being (host). Antibiotics do not work against infections that are caused by viruses - for example, the mobic generic common cold or flu.

Antibiotics are normally only prescribed for more serious bacterial infections, as many infections get better on their own. Correct use of antibiotics is absolutely essential to help reduce antibiotic resistance. Germs become resistant to antibiotics over time, which then makes them less effective.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says "the world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics" as antibiotic resistance is a major global threat.

IN THIS ARTICLE
What are antibiotics?
How do antibiotics work?
When are antibiotics usually prescribed?
Which antibiotic is usually prescribed?
When taking an antibiotic
What are the possible side-effects?
Can I buy antibiotics?
What is the usual length of treatment?
Who cannot take antibiotics?
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections. Antibiotics are sometimes called antibacterials or antimicrobials. Antibiotics can be taken by mouth as liquids, tablets, or capsules, or they can be given by injection. Usually, people who need to have an antibiotic by injection are in hospital because they have a severe infection. Antibiotics are also available as creams, ointments, or lotions to where to buy phenergan 25 mg apply to the skin to treat certain skin infections.

It is important to remember that antibiotics are only prescribed to treat infections and are not effective against viruses. Antibiotics simply do not work against infections that are caused by viruses (for example, the common cold or flu), or fungi (for example, thrush in the mouth or vagina), or fungal infections of the skin.

Microbes, Germs and Antibiotics discusses the different types of germs which can cause infections.

Occasionally, a viral infection or minor bacterial infection develops into a more serious secondary bacterial infection. In this case, antibiotics would be needed.

There are various antibiotics available and they come in various different brand names. Antibiotics are usually grouped together based on how they work. Each type of antibiotic only works against certain types of bacteria or parasites. This is why different antibiotics are used to treat different types of infection. The main types of antibiotics include:

Penicillins - for example, phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin and amoxicillin.
Cephalosporins - for example, cefaclor, cefadroxil and cefalexin.
Tetracyclines - for example, tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.
Aminoglycosides - for example, gentamicin and tobramycin.
Macrolides - for example, erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin.
Clindamycin.
Sulfonamides and trimethoprim - for example, co-trimoxazole.
Metronidazole and tinidazole.
Quinolones - for example, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin.
Nitrofurantoin - used for urinary infections.
As well as the above main types of antibiotics, there are a number of other antibiotics that specialist doctors or hospital doctors may prescribe for more uncommon infections such as tuberculosis (TB).

The rest of this leaflet only discusses antibiotics that your GP may prescribe.

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How do antibiotics work?
Some antibiotics work by killing germs (bacteria or the parasite). This is often done by interfering with the structure of the cell wall of the bacterium or parasite. Some work by stopping bacteria or the parasite from multiplying.

When are antibiotics usually prescribed?


Antibiotics are normally only prescribed for more serious infections with germs (bacterial and some parasitic infections).

Most common infections are caused by viruses, when an antibiotic will not be of use. Even if you have a mild bacterial infection, the immune system can clear most bacterial infections. For example, antibiotics usually do little to speed up recovery from most ear, nose and throat infections that are caused by bacteria.

So, do not be surprised if a doctor does not recommend an antibiotic for conditions caused by viruses or non-bacterial infections, or even for a mild bacterial infection.

However, you do need antibiotics if you have certain serious infections caused by bacteria, such as meningitis or pneumonia. In these situations, antibiotics are often life-saving. When you are ill, doctors are skilled at checking you over to rule out serious illness and to advise if an antibiotic is needed. Urine infections also commonly need antibiotics to prevent spread to the kidneys.

Antibiotics can also be prescribed to treat acne - a less serious condition. For acne, antibiotics can be taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin.


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