How do Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics are prescription drugs helps the body fight diseases and infections. Before consuming the antibiotic, it is necessary to check the type of bacteria which has invaded our body, so that an appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. If antibiotics are not used as given by the doctor, they have the capability of causing more harm to the body, than good. So then, how do antibiotics work? Here are some facts that can help you understand the true potential of antibiotics.

Antibiotics - How they Work?
The work of an antibiotic is to kill the bacteria present in the human body or any other living animal. Bacteria after entering our system, uses the body as a host and starts to multiply, this gives rise to disease and infections. Antibiotics are drugs that can only be prescribed by licensed medical practitioners. So, how long do antibiotics take to work? Depending upon the seriousness of the infection and the potency of the antibiotic taken, the recovery time of an individual may range from a week to a whole month. Antibiotics kill the bacteria present in the body and also eliminate the disease. Antibiotics are supposed to target only the bacteria present in the body, and not the body cells. Hence, they are also referred to as ‘selective poison’.

Each antibiotic works in its own special way, like some may suppress the bacteria’s ability to convert glucose into energy that is required by them to multiply. Some antibiotics interfere with the formation of the bacterium’s cell wall or other cell contents. These effects are typical to one type of antibiotic, called penicillin. Some antibiotics only stop the bacteria from multiplying, and leave it to our immune system to finish the job of killing the now-weakened bacteria. These drugs are referred to as bacteriostatic antibiotics. The function of these antibiotics is to halt the cell division of the bacteria nuclei. Some antibiotics stop the bacteria from generating the chemical required for their survival. However, there are a few that kill the bacteria. This type of antibiotics are referred to as bactericides.

Antibiotics - Uses and Side-effects
Some of the most common side-effects of antibiotics are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and fungal infections of the digestive tract and mouth. In rare cases, antibiotics can cause kidney stone, blood disorders, hearing loss, abnormal clotting of blood and sensitivity to sunlight. Elderly people are known to suffer from inflamed bowels, due to some antibiotics. Some people may also suffer from allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face and tongue, rashes and respiratory problems. Severe and fatal antibiotic reactions are referred to as anaphylactic reactions.

Most antibiotics are available in the form of tablets and consumed orally; though, many can be directly applied upon the infected area, or can be injected into the body. It is advised to complete the whole course of antibiotics as prescribed, as not completing the same may result in antibiotic resistant bacteria. In such a case, if there is a rebound of the disease, then a stronger antibiotic will have to be prescribed. It is suggested that antibiotics are not to be taken on an empty stomach, but a little after the person has had a meal. Does alcohol affect antibiotics? Yes, it does. It is strongly suggested that while on medication, intake of alcohol should be strictly avoided. The alcohol content in fluids react with antibiotics, which can result in allergies, such as hives, etc. If you are suffering from the flu, common cold or sore throat, it is better to avoid antibiotics as these diseases are caused by viruses and not bacteria, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

You must have clarified your doubts about 'how do antibiotics work?' and now have a clearer picture about antibiotics, its strengths and its effectiveness towards diseases as a whole.