ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are defined as

the complex chemical substances, the
secondary metabolites which are produced
by microorganisms and act against other
micro-organisms.

ANTIBIOTICS

In nature, there is universal distribution of

antibiotics among the microorganisms
owing to which they are involved in
antagonism. Those microorganisms which
have capacity to produce more antibiotics
can survive for longer time than the
others producing antibiotics in less
amount .

ANTIBIOTICS

However, antibiotics produced by

microorganisms have been very useful
for the cure of certain human diseases
caused by bacteria, fungi and protozoa.
Due to continuous efforts made in this
field, the antibiotics discovered at
present are about 5,500. Total world
production of antibiotics is more than one
million ton per annum. This success has
been possible only due to continuous
researches made during the last 4
decades.

ANTIBIOTICS

The first antibiotic was penicillin.

Such penicillin-related antibiotics as
ampicillin, amoxicillin and
benzylpenicilllin are widely used today to
treat a variety of infections - these
antibiotics have been around for a long
time.
There are several different types of
modern antibiotics and they are only
available with a doctor's prescription in
most countries.

Overusing antibiotics

There is concern worldwide that

antibiotics are being overused. Antibiotic
overuse is one of the factors that
contributes towards the growing number
of bacterial infections which are
becoming resistant to antibacterial
medications.

How do antibiotics work?

Although there are a number of different

types of antibiotic they all work in one of
two ways:
Abactericidalantibiotic kills the
bacteria. Penicillin is a bactericidal. A
bactericidal usually either interferes with
the formation of the bacterium's cell wall
or its cell contents.
Abacteriostaticstops bacteria from
multiplying.

What are antibiotics for?

An antibiotic is given for the treatment of an

infection caused by bacteria. Antibiotics target
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and
parasites. However, they are not effective against
viruses.
If you have an infection it is important to know
whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. Most
upper respiratory tract infections, such as the
common cold andsore throatsare generally
caused by viruses - antibiotics do not work against
these viruses.
If antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly there
is arisk that the bacteria will become
resistant- the antibiotic becomes less effective
against that type of bacterium.

What are the side-effects of antibiotics?

Below is a list of the most common side-effects

of antibiotics:
Diarrhea.Feeling and being sick.
Formation ofkidney stones(when taking
sulphonamides).
Abnormal blood clotting(when taking some
cephalosporins).
Sensitivity to sun(when taking tetracyclines).
Blood disorders(when taking trimethoprim).
Deafness(when taking erythromycin and the
aminoglycosides).

Allergic reactions to antibiotics

Some patients may develop an allergic reaction to

antibiotics - especially penicillins. Side effects might
include a rash, swelling of the tongue and face, and
difficulty breathing.
Allergic reactions to antibiotics may be immediate or
delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic
you must tell your doctor and/or pharmacist. Reactions
to antibiotics can be very serious, and sometimes fatal
- they are called anaphylactic reactions.
Use antibiotics with extreme caution and ensure
you inform your doctor/pharmacist if:
You have reduced liver or kidney function.
You are pregnant
You are breastfeeding

How to use antibiotics

Antibiotics are usually taken by mouth (orally);

however, they can also be administered by injection,
or applied directly to the affected part of the body.
Most antibiotics start having an effect on an infection
within a few hours. It is important to remember to
complete the whole course of the medication to
prevent the infection from coming back.
If you do not complete the course, there is a higher
chance the bacteria may become resistant to future
treatments - because the ones that survive when you
did not complete the course have had some exposure
to the antibiotic and may consequently have built up
a resistance to it. Even if you are feeling better, you
still need to complete the course.

Antibiotics may clash (interact) with other medicines

If you are taking an antibiotic do not take

other medicines or herbal remedies without
telling your doctor first. OTC (over the counter,
non-prescription) medicines might also clash
with your antibiotic.
Penicillins, cephalosporins, and some other
antibiotics may undermine the effectiveness of
oral contraceptives. If the antibiotic has
caused diarrhea/vomiting the absorption of
contraceptives may also be disrupted. If you
are taking any of these drugs you should
consider taking additional contraceptive
precautions.