Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria are microscopic organisms, some of which may cause illness. The word bacteria is the plural of bacterium.

Such illnesses as syphilis, tuberculosis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis are caused by bacteria. Some bacteria are harmless, while others are good for us.

Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the body's immune system can usually destroy them. We have special white blood cells that attack harmful bacteria. Even if symptoms do occur, our immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection. There are occasions, however, when it is all too much and some help is needed.....from antibiotics.

The first antibiotic was penicillin. Such penicillin-related antibiotics as ampicillin, amoxicillin and benzylpenicilllin are widely used today to treat a variety of infections - these antibiotics have been around for a long time.

How do antibiotics work?

• A bactericidal antibiotic kills the bacteria.
•  Penicillin is a bactericidal. A bactericidal usually either interferes with the formation of the bacterium's cell wall or its cell contents.


• A bacteriostatic stops bacteria from multiplying.

• • What are the side-effects of antibiotics?
    • Diarrhea - researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine found that 
    • a rise in sugars in the gut following antibiotic treatment 
    • allows harmful bacteria to get a foothold and cause infection.
    •  Harmful bacteria thrive on sugar.
    • Feeling and being sick.
    • Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina.

      How to use antibiotics

      Antibiotics are usually taken by mouth (orally);
    •  however, they can also be administered by injection, or applied directly to the affected part of the body.Some antibiotics should not be consumed with certain foods and drinks. Others should not be taken with food in your stomach -
    •  these would normally be taken about an hour before meals, or two hours after. 
    • It is crucial that you follow the instructions correctly if you want the medication to be effective. 
    • If you are taking metronidazole do not consume alcohol.http:
    •