Side Effects of Antibiotics

By: Craig

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Antibiotics are commonly recognized as antibacterial i.e. drugs used to kill infections caused by bacteria. There are illnesses like tuberculosis, syphilis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis which are known to be caused by bacteria. These illnesses can be treated with antibiotics. In order to find the side effects of antibiotics, let us first focus on how these antibiotics work.

 

All the antibiotics available in the market work in one of the two ways:

1. A typical bactericidal antibiotic kills the bacteria by interfering with the formation of the cell wall or its cell contents of bacteria.
2. A bacteriostatic type of antibiotic stops bacteria from multiplying

We all know that antibiotics are among the most often given medications in contemporary medicine. When a specific antibiotic is used to treat different types of infections, it is known as broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Side Effects of Antibiotics

Like all drugs, antibiotics can cause unwanted side effects which are normally not dangerous, but can make life miserable during its intake.

The most common side effects are listed below: 

1. Diarrhea
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Fungal infections of the mouth, vagina and digestive tract can occur as a result of intake of antibiotics. Reason behind this is that antibiotics destroy the protective bacteria which inhibit overgrowth of organism in the body. This leads to other infections.
5. Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin. Allergic reactions cause itching, swelling of the face and skin rash and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions require prompt treatment.
6. When there is use of large doses of antibiotics in patients with pre-existing diseases like pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis and hepatitis, then there is a greatest risk of liver and kidney disorders.
7. Antibiotics can also cause liver disorders like jaundice, fever, discoloration of feces and dark urine.

Below is a list of unusual side-effects of antibiotics:

1. Kidney stones, when taking Sulphonamides
2. Abnormal blood clotting in case of taking Cephalosporins
3. Sensitivity to sun  in case of  taking Tetracyclines
4. Blood disorders while  taking Trimethoprim
5. Deafness while taking Erythromycin or Aminoglycosides

Elderly patients may experience swollen intestine which can lead to rigorous diarrhea. Clindamycin, used for the most severe infections, commonly has this side effect. It is much less seen in taking penicillin, and cephalosporins.

Allergic Reactions to Antibiotics as a Side Effect

Patients sometimes may grow an allergic reaction to antibiotics particularly for penicillin. This can result into side effects like rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty in breathing.

In case you experience these allergic reactions, tell your doctor and/or pharmacist because these reactions sometimes become very serious and fatal known as anaphylactic reactions which are difficult to treat. 

Always make sure that you inform your doctor if:

1. You are breastfeeding
2. You have reduced liver or kidney function
3. You are pregnant

Antibiotics interfere with other medicines:

Try to avoid other medicines when you are taking antibiotics. These medicines might also clash with your antibiotic.

 Antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins, etc. may reduce the efficiency of oral contraceptives. If taking antibiotics results into diarrhea or vomiting, the absorption of contraceptives may also be disrupted. So keep in mind to consult your doctor before taking alternative medicines. This may help to overcome the side effects of antibiotics with successful cure of disorders.

About the Author

 Craig Brown has practiced as a Doctor of Medicine in New Zealand for about 20 years. Although he is retired now, he continues to share his medical knowledge and experience with readers through his writings.

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