Side Effects of Antibiotics: Precautions and How to Manage them?

What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are prescribed medications that help to fight the infections caused due to the bacteria and slowdowns the growth of these bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can be found in both humans and animals and hence it is important to treat the infection at the right time. Therefore, antibiotics destroy the bacteria and additionally it stops their growth. It is important to understand that antibiotics are prescribed only when it is needed. On the other hand, there are many side effects of antibiotics. Let’s give read about the common side effects of antibiotics.

1.Digestive Upset:

Many antibiotics harms the process of digestion and hence lead to stomach upset and gastrointestinal side effects. Such complexity includes nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea, bloating and loss of appetite. 

Antibiotics are taken as prescribed. Some antibiotics are advised for an empty stomach whereas some post-meal. Therefore, the person must speak to the doctor or the physician to know the best possible time for antibiotics. It is important to relax your stomach from such side effects as it may cause a new disease. 

2.Fungal Infections: 

As it was mentioned earlier that antibiotics help to fight the growth of unnecessary bacterial infection but at the same time it is reported that it destroys good bacteria that protects people from fungal infections. Furthermore, it creates a disbalance in the body. Therefore, the consumption of antibiotics leads to create an infection in the mouth, digestive tract and vagina. 

The symptoms may highlight a patch on the throat, cheeks, mouth or tongue which is generally white in color. Tooth and mouth aching while eating and swallowing. Additionally, tooth bleeding is a common problem found as a side effect. In such cases, doctors prescribe antifungal medications such as nystatin which treats the fungal infection.

3.Fever: 

Fever is the most common side effect of any medication. It is not a new fact that antibiotics would also cause fever. An allergic reaction may cause fever due to the usage of antibiotics. Here are the common drug fevers caused due to antibiotics-

• beta-lactams
• cephalexin
• minocycline
• sulfonamide 

It is advisable to consult a doctor or a physician if you are down with a fever for more than 24 hours. Although it is likely to go away within 24 hours. Call your doctor right immediately if you are having 104 °F (40°C) fever, skin rash or uneasy breathing.

4.Light Sensitive: 

Sometimes medications including antibiotics make the skin sensitive to light. This leads to damage to the eyes and the sun creates irritation in your eyes. Furthermore, it can make a body prone to sunburn. This situation is called “Photosensitivity.”

The photosensitivity effect should go away once the antibiotic dosage is completed, If you still face the effect then you must consult your doctor or a specialist. For a while, you can follow some tips to protect your skin, they are-

• Protect yourself from extreme sun exposure, and avoid peak light hours.
• Use the best-suggested sunscreen when outdoors on a sunny and cloudy day.
• Use protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, hat and sunglasses.

Major Side Effects of Antibiotics:

1.Allergic Reactions: 

Although allergies may be common with any medications including antibiotics, in some cases, it is prolonged and hence it required serious treatment. Therefore, the symptoms get reflected right after taking the medicines. Some common side effects include tongue and throat swelling, uneasy breathing and white skin patches.

2.Blood Reactions: 

Some antibiotics harm and change your blood. For example, leukopenia is a reduction in white blood cell counts. This may cause an increase in infections. Another change is thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count. This may cause bleeding, and bruising and slow down blood coagulation.

Beta-lactams and sulfamethoxazole more frequently cause these side effects.

3.Heart Problems: 

Although it is a rare problem, consuming antibiotics might cause low blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any existing heart disease. 

4.Tendonitis: 

Tendonitis is an inflammation that harms the tendons of your body. Tendons are a very important part of your body as it attaches the bone to the muscle. It is reported that some antibiotics cause tendonitis.  

Precautions While Taking Antibiotics:

• The first and foremost criterion is to consume antibiotics only when it is required.
• Follow the antibiotic course advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Antibiotics should not be shared with others who are not advised,
• Once your antibiotic course is completed, talk to your doctor and discard the leftover antibiotics.
• You must take the correct dosage at appropriate slots.