Ways to Best Use Antibiotics

When we wake with a congested head or ache with the flu, most Americans head for the doctor to get antibiotics but unless we are suffering from a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not the answer. The overuse of antibiotics has given rise to more resistant strains of bacteria and once uncommon infections like staph are becoming all too common. Many health care providers admit that they have written a prescription for antibiotics to satisfy at patient when they know that nothing more than recovery time and rest are need. In fact, almost a quarter of all antibiotic prescriptions written are written in goodwill or to please a patient.

To help prevent the rise of stronger bacteria that resist treatment with antibiotics and to help boost our own immune systems, it’s best to learn just when antibiotics should be taken, to know when these drugs can actually help in the healing process.

An antibiotic is just that – an ANTI biotic that fights bacteria. There are countless types of bacteria, some good, some bad. Bacteria that cause infection are quite varied and it requires a medical professional to determine what antibiotic will work best. In short, a bladder infection and a skin infection can’t be treated in the same way or one size does not fit all when it comes to antibiotics.

Antibiotics will not help fight a common viral infection. Both the common colds and the flu are viral so antibiotics do not help. Avoid requesting antibiotics for these or other viral infections.

When prescribed an antibiotic for a true infection – be it a sinus infection or any one – take the medication as prescribed. A common reaction is to stop taking the antibiotic once a patient begins to feel better but this is a mistake. The full course of antibiotics must be taken to destroy the bacteria and combat the infection. Because some bacteria can change or survive initial antibiotic treatment it is vital to take all antibiotics as prescribed.

Never save antibiotics to use in another infection or illness. Antibiotics change over time and can break down. At the very least, stored antibiotics prescribed for another incident can be powerless – at worst the drugs can change and become harmful.

No one but a doctor or nurse practitioner can determine if a bacterial infection is present. A culture can determine what bacteria are causing the infection and the proper antibiotic can be used to treat it.

There are two general categories of antibiotics. These are broad spectrum or antibiotics that stop many different types of bacterial germs and narrow spectrum or antibiotics that target specific organisms.

Remember these basic steps in using antibiotics correctly.

*Do not ask for antibiotics to be prescribed over the phone or for a viral infection such as a cold or the flu.
*Ask for a culture test before being prescribed an antibiotic. Also be sure to mention any antibiotics that may cause an allergic reaction and suggest a sensitivity test.

* Take any prescribed antibiotic for the full period it is prescribed and take exactly as directed
* Remember that antibiotics may interact with other prescribed medications and that birth control pills may be less effective. Be sure to ask the doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.

*Learn if the antibiotics should be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If antibiotics are to be taken several times a day, be sure to space out dosages over a twenty-four hour day.

*Ask if there are any foods or drinks to avoid. Some antibiotics cannot be taken with dairy products.
By following these guidelines, Americans can feel better fast and stop the growth of drug resistant bacteria.