We'll notify you here with news about. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Comments 0. 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. Even if an antibiotic was once effective against a specific bacterium, it may no longer be, as the bacteria may have become resistant to that antibiotic. For example, gonorrhoea used to be reliably treated with a single type of antibiotic.
Now, because of antimicrobial resistance, the recommendation is for therapy with two types of antibiotic. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics, or antimicrobial resistance, is a significant and growing problem.
If you miss a dose of antibiotics, take it as soon as you remember. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium. When calcium comes into contact with doxycycline, it triggers a chemical reaction that…. Should you drink alcohol while taking the popular antibiotic doxycycline? What will happen if you do? Get answers to these and other questions about…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How Do Antibiotics Work? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.
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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. If you need antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance.
For more information on common illnesses and how to feel better, visit Common Illnesses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips on how to feel better while your body fights off an infection. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Antibiotic Prescribing and Use.
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