How to take antibiotics

    It is important to take antibiotics in the correct way. Failing to do this may reduce how well they work. For example, some antibiotics need to be taken with food and others should be taken on an empty stomach.

     Taking antibiotics incorrectly will affect how much of them get into the body (their absorption) and therefore they may not work as well. It is important always to follow the instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist, and on the leaflet that comes with the antibiotic prescribed.

     It is also important always to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. Even though it is common to feel better before the medicine is entirely finished, it is necessary to follow through and take the entire course. This is important for healing as, if an antibiotic is stopped in mid-course, germs (bacteria) may be partially treated and not completely killed. Bacteria may then become resistant to that antibiotic.

     Overuse of antibiotics has led to some bacteria changing their form or structure (mutating) and becoming resistant to some antibiotics, which may then not work when really needed. For example, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that has become resistant to many different antibiotics and is difficult to treat. Other bacteria produce chemicals called enzymes such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) which allow them to be resistant to certain antibiotics.

     Resistance to antibiotics has become a major health threat globally, as antibiotics are life-saving for serious illnesses. So if a health professional says antibiotics are not needed for your condition, please do not ask for them or attempt to get them elsewhere. Your health professional will explain in what circumstances antibiotics might be needed and what symptoms should prompt a return for another check.

    If a secondary infection develops, antibiotics may be needed after all. Health professionals follow guidelines to help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.

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