Antibiotics are wonder drugs that have transformed modern medicine in the last few decades. They have proven to be life-saving, useful in treating a wide range of bacterial infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics are fast becoming less effective, owing to antibiotic resistance, a problem arising from the abuse of these drugs. Today’s post provides five essential tips to help you use antibiotics appropriately, so as to maximize their effectiveness for you and others around you.
Use Antibiotics Only When Prescribed
One important thing to understand is that infections are caused by a number of entities including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Also, all antibiotics do not work for all bacterial infections and the right choice for you would depend on the type of bacteria causing your symptoms. Taking these medications unnecessarily can cause disruptions in the natural balance of microbes in your body, leading to antibiotic resistance. Not all sore throats or flu should make you pop antibiotics. Ensure to consult your doctor to determine if you need antibiotics for your condition.
Follow the Prescribed Dosage and Schedule
It is important to take the correct dosage and the appropriate intervals, as your doctor recommends. Skipping your medications or stopping it entirely even if you feel better, may leave some bacteria alive within your body. This may cause the infection to return, in a perhaps more severe manner that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. One tip to help you stick to your medication routines is to set reminders on your phone to help you take your medications at the right time.
Don’t Share or Reuse Leftover Antibiotics
As hinted earlier in this post, various antibiotics treat different types of bacterial infections. Thus, using leftovers or another person’s prescription may not be helpful and could in fact cause further damage. Avoid sharing or reusing leftover antibiotics. Rather, dispose of them properly.
Be Aware of Side Effects
Antibiotics can cause a number of side effects, much like any other medication. Ensure to read the information leaflet in the drug pack to be aware of potential side effects of your drugs. Then report any unusual effects of the drugs to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Furthermore, some antibiotics interact with other medications and may cause adverse reactions. So, endeavor to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking.
Minimise Your Need for Antibiotics
The best way to use antibiotics is to not have to use them at all. Yes, you read that right. Preventing infections is always better than trying to get rid of them. Avoid infections in the best way you can by practising good hygiene (including handwashing) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and rest adequately. Also, ensure to get vaccinated against the vaccine preventable infections.
Remember that when antibiotics are not used properly, bacteria can adapt, making infections harder to treat. So it is important to use these magic drugs the right way so that they remain a viable mode of treatment for all of us and the future generations.
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