Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs that have been available following the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Antibiotics attack bacteria, which are germs responsible for many different infections. There are many different bacteria and many different antibiotics. Each antibiotic attacks different types of bacteria and will be useful for treating particular infections.
Not all infections are due to bacteria. Many, such as the common cold, flu, glandular fever and chickenpox, are due to viruses. Antibiotics do not affect viruses and are of no use in treating viral infections. Most simple coughs and colds do not need antibiotic treatment.
It is sometimes not possible to be certain if an infection has a bacterial or viral cause. In these circumstances your doctor's experience and findings after examining you will determine if they decide to prescribe antibiotics.
Many people worry that their immune system will be weakened by using antibiotics. This does not happen. But bacteria can, and do, develop resistance to antibiotics. This can happen if antibiotics are not used properly or when they are used unnecessarily.
Increasing resistance to antibiotics is a significant problem, particularly with some bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Some strains, such as MRSA — methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — have become resistant to multiple antibiotics and are very hard to treat. The more antibiotics are used, the greater the chance of resistant strains emerging, hence the need to be very selective about their use.
Although antibiotics are generally very safe drugs, side-effects can sometimes occur. These are usually mild. Common side effects include rashes, stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting. Many antibiotics also reduce the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill.
When you are prescribed a course of antibiotics it is important to take the full course, even if you start feeling better after a day or 2. This way the bacteria will be fully exterminated and the risk of recurrence reduced.
Last Reviewed: 11 February 2009
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