Antibiotic how long does it take

This will definitely cause interference in the normal functioning of the body system. Generally, over-treating bacterial infections are harmful. As a matter of fact, this scenario will result in severe health problems. The eventual effect is antibiotic resistance. Note: Doctors have to be careful when writing a prescription. As much as short-term use of antibiotics is good, they should also not under-prescribe it. In case this happens, the patient will not be fully treated.

Besides that, the level of infectious bacteria will increase significantly. Once you complete an under-dose, the chances are that you will end up with a more severe infection.

This usually occurs when the bacteria evolves and becomes stronger. As a result, it becomes impossible to control antibiotic resistance by taking antibiotics. Keep in mind that some conditions are entirely untreatable. Research studies indicate that millions of people suffer and die annually as a result of antibiotic resistance. These are infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment:.

You can under- or over-treat yourself with antibiotics. In case either happens, understand that your condition will not get fully treated. In order to use these medications correctly, consider the following:. They will be able to carry out tests and determine the cause of infection. They will also recommend the appropriate antibiotic and the best duration of use. Usually, bacterial infections are treated with prescription drugs.

This means that the doctor has to prescribe a specific drug that can eliminate that particular strain of bacteria. This helps to reduce the chances of side effects, flare-ups, and resistance. This is important in reducing the chances of a patient taking the wrong antibiotic drug.

However, there are still some over-the-counter antibiotics. Over-the-counter antibiotics include bacterial infection creams and balms for skin problems. Just like other drugs, antibiotics can also cause side effects. Most people typically end up with side effects such as:. Note: most people often experience mild side effects that usually disappear after a few hours.

Once you start taking them, when will you feel better? This is difficult to predict. Each infection is different because the combination of bacteria, infection type, your immune response and the point in time that you start taking the antibiotic can all vary and impact, or add to, their effects. Antibiotics are only useful for treating infections caused by bacteria, not viruses or fungi.

Hopefully, the doctor has correctly assessed your illness as likely due to infection caused by bacteria, and that the type of bacterial infection you have is one that benefits from treatment with antibiotics.

Read more: My child has glue ear — what do I do? Also, not every antibiotic works for every infection. There are broad spectrum antibiotics such as macrolides and quinolones that work against a wide range of bacterial types. Narrow spectrum antibiotics are only effective against some bacteria. For instance, the older penicillins such as benzyl penicillin , are used to treat infections caused by the gram positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae , and have much less effect on other bacteria.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections. Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Top of Page. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address.

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The bacteria that survive during antibiotic treatment are often resistant to that antibiotic. These bacteria often have unique characteristics that prevent antibiotics from working on them. The overgrowth of this type of bacteria causes infection in both your small and large intestines.

These bacteria often infect your bloodstream, urinary tract, or surgical wounds. This infection typically occurs in people who are hospitalized. Enterococci infections may be treated with the antibiotic vancomycin, but VRE is resistant to this treatment. This type of infection is resistant to traditional staph infection antibiotics. MRSA infections typically occur on your skin. This class of bacteria are resistant to a lot of other antibiotics.

CRE infections typically occur in people in hospitals and who are on a mechanical ventilator or have indwelling catheters. The most important cause of antibiotic resistance is inappropriate use or overuse of antibiotics. As much as 30 percent of antibiotic use is thought to be unnecessary. Antibiotics are used for treating infections caused by bacteria. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of your infection.

In some cases, they may request a blood or urine test to confirm the cause of infection. Most antibiotics have similar side effects. Perhaps the most common side effect is gastrointestinal GI upset, including:. In some cases, these side effects can be reduced if you take the antibiotic with food. However, some antibiotics must be taken on an empty stomach.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take your antibiotic. GI upset usually goes away after you stop treatment. Also, call your doctor if you develop:. Antibiotics are most effective when used appropriately.

This starts with ensuring that you really need the antibiotic.