Antibiotics how many are there

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. The choice of antibiotic mainly depends on which infection you have and the germ bacterium or parasite your doctor thinks is causing your infection. This is because each antibiotic is effective only against certain bacteria and parasites. For example, if you have pneumonia , the doctor knows what kinds of bacteria typically cause most cases of pneumonia. He or she will choose the antibiotic that best combats those kinds of bacteria.

Even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding there are a number of antibiotics that are thought to be safe to take. It is important to take antibiotics in the correct way. If you do not, this may reduce how well they work. For example, some antibiotics need to be taken with food and others should be taken on an empty stomach. If you do not take your antibiotics in the right way it will affect how much of them get into your body their absorption and therefore they may not work as well.

So, follow the instructions as given by your doctor and on the leaflet that comes with the antibiotic you are prescribed. Always take the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Even though you may feel better before your medicine is entirely gone, follow through and take the entire course.

This is important for your healing. If an antibiotic is stopped in mid-course, germs bacteria may be partially treated and not completely killed.

Bacteria may then become resistant to that antibiotic. Overuse of antibiotics has led to some bacteria changing their form or structure mutating and becoming resistant to some antibiotics, which may then not work when really needed. For example, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is a bacterium that has become resistant to many different antibiotics and is difficult to treat.

Other bacteria produce chemicals called enzymes such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases ESBLs which allow them to be resistant to certain antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics has become a major health threat globally, as antibiotics are life-saving for serious illnesses. So if your health professional says antibiotics are not needed for your condition, do not ask for them. Your health professional will explain in what circumstances you might need antibiotics and what symptoms should prompt you to return for another check.

If your illness has changed, or you have developed a secondary infection, antibiotics may be needed after all. Health professionals follow guidelines to help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics. It is not possible in this leaflet to list all the possible side-effects of each antibiotic. However, as with all medicines, there are a number of side-effects that have been reported with each of the different antibiotics.

If you want more information specific to your antibiotic then you should read the information leaflet that comes with the medicine. Most side-effects of antibiotics are not serious.

Common side-effects include soft stools faeces , diarrhoea, or mild stomach upset such as feeling sick nausea. Less commonly, some people have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and some have died from a severe allergic reaction - this is very rare. If you are If you are living with diabetes, managing your A1c levels is critical to staying healthy and reducing your A hair follicle drug test can detect whether a person has illicit or prescription drugs in their system.

A mouth swab drug test can detect whether you have illicit or prescription drugs in your system. The A1c blood test can provide you with your average blood sugar level over the last three months. This test Solv Health. Adult Child. Quality healthcare is just a click away with the Solv App Book same-day care for you and your family. Find top providers near you. Choose in-person or video visits. Manage visits on-the-go. Updated on Nov 20, Pregnancy Symptoms: 5 early signs you're pregnant Pregnancy affects every woman differently, which means not all women will experience the same early symptoms At-home Tips for Diabetes Self-Care Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful management to prevent complications including kidney Diarrhea Gastroenteritis as a Side Effect of Drugs Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines.

It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion of chemical In women, vaginal yeast infections Vaginal Yeast Infection Candidiasis The vagina is infected by a yeast called Candida, usually Candida albicans, resulting in a yeast infection called candidiasis. Being pregnant or having diabetes or a weakened immune system increases Some side effects are more severe and, depending on the antibiotic, may impair the function of the kidneys, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.

Blood tests are sometimes done to determine whether these organs have been affected. Colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine colon , develops in some people who take antibiotics, especially cephalosporins, clindamycin , fluoroquinolones, or penicillins.

This type of colitis, called Clostridioides difficile—induced colitis Clostridioides formerly Clostridium difficile-Induced Colitis Clostridioides difficile C. The inflammation is caused by toxin produced by C.

These bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics and grow in the intestines unchecked when other normal bacteria in the intestine are killed by the antibiotics. Clostridioides difficile —induced colitis can be difficult to treat and can be life threatening, especially in older people. Antibiotics can also cause allergic reactions Allergies to Drugs People sometimes mistake many adverse drug reactions for allergies.

For example, people who experience stomach discomfort after taking aspirin a common adverse reaction often say they are Mild allergic reactions may consist of an itchy rash or slight wheezing. Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis Anaphylactic Reactions Anaphylactic reactions are sudden, widespread, potentially severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions often begin with a feeling of uneasiness, followed by tingling Many people tell their doctor that they are allergic to an antibiotic when they have experienced only side effects that are not allergy-related see Allergies to Drugs Allergies to Drugs People sometimes mistake many adverse drug reactions for allergies.

The distinction is important because people who are allergic to an antibiotic should not be given that drug or an antibiotic closely related to it. However, people who have experienced only minor side effects can usually take related drugs or even continue taking the same drug. Health care practitioners can determine the significance of any unpleasant reaction people have to an antibiotic.

Merck and Co. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Common Health Topics. Selecting an Antibiotic. Antibiotic Resistance. Taking Antibiotics. Taking antibiotics to prevent infections Taking antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Home Antibiotic Therapy. Side Effects of Antibiotics. Allergic Reactions to Antibiotics. Test your knowledge. Dengue is a viral infection that causes fever, aches throughout the body, and, in severe cases, bleeding in multiple areas. How is the dengue virus transmitted? More Content. Overview of Antibiotics By Brian J. The nature and seriousness of the infection. The status of the person's immune system how well it can help the drug fight the infection.

Certain infections caused by bacteria that rapidly develop resistance to a single antibiotic. Did You Know For less severe infections, antibiotics can often be taken by mouth from the start. Spotlight on Aging: Antibiotics When doctors prescribe antibiotics for older people, they may prescribe a lower dose than usual because the kidneys tend to function less well as people age.

People who have been exposed to a person with meningitis to prevent meningitis from developing. Directly into a large central vein, usually in the neck or chest called a central catheter. Pain, redness, and pus at the catheter insertion site. Back to Health A to Z. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection.

They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading. But they do not work for everything. Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs and sore throats. When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor's advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem — taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.

People at a high risk of infection may also be given antibiotics as a precaution, known as antibiotic prophylaxis. Read more about when antibiotics are used and why they are not routinely used to treat infections.