Alexander Fleming, FRS, FRSE, FRCS born 6 August 1881 died 11 March 1955, he was a Scottish physician and microbiologist, known for his amazing discovering in the world’s first broadly effective antibiotic substance, which he named penicillin. His discovery in 1928 of what was later named benzylpenicillin (or penicillin G) from the mould Penicillium rubens is described as the “single greatest victory ever achieved over BACTERIOR relared disease and ailment. For this discovery, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain.
Note that I highlight Bacterial above! Antibiotics should ONLY be prescribed and used for the purpose of Bacteria infections and disease. Before considering administered Antibiotics, it is imperative to establish if the cause is actually Bacteria related. A blood analysis test will establish this. However doctors globally, over prescribe the use of Antibiotics and do no analysis prior to making their recommendations. This is wrong on so many levels.
In addition: when antibiotics are needed, your doctor fails to inform you High acid foods – Citrus fruits and juices like orange and grapefruit, soda, chocolate and tomato products have a high acid content, which could decrease how much medicine is absorbed into your system for antibiotics.
Another point is that: Great caution should be taken with any impairment of kidney function as its difficult to eliminate the drug from the body! A kidney function test should be obtained before recommendations for the use of Antibiotics are advised.
Do you understand the consequences and side effects of Antibiotics?
Antibiotics have the proven abili cause severe side effects in some cases fatal, meaning death! Antibiotics are not as safe as you may be led to believe. Antibiotics should NEVER be taken on an empty stomach!
Mild side effects consist of:
Digestive problems
Digestive symptoms include:
nausea
Severe indigestion
Severe vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
bloating or feeling full
loss of appetite
Sever stomach pain or cramping
Leaky gut
Internal bleeding.
Photosensitivity (Severe reactions to any light including the sun, this can last for a long time.
staining to skin, nails, teeth, and bones!
Teeth staining is IRREVERSIBLE in adults because their teeth do not regrow or change, Where as children get a 2nd set. However, as bones remodel themselves continuously, it is possible to reverse the staining but not guaranteed!
Now, it is worth understanding that a suitability test is carried out, allergy testing for they type of antibiotic recommended if it’s the first time taking it or it could take your life!
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What are the side effects of antibiotics?
Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH — By Jennifer Huizen — Updated on December 17, 2021
Common side effects
Rare side effects
Long term side effects
When to see a doctor
Takeaway
Healthcare practitioners prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects of taking antibiotics are not life threatening. However, antibiotics may cause severe side effects in some people that require medical attention.
Antibiotics are generally safe, and doctors prescribe them to stop the growth of bacteria; for example, to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and certain skin infections.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause most upper respiratory infections, the common cold, or COVID-19.
For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.
However, antibiotics can cause side effects, ranging from minor to severe to life threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5Trusted Source medication-related emergency room visits are due to antibiotic side effects.
Anyone experiencing a severe antibiotic side effect should consult with a healthcare professional. A person experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or tightness in the throat, should call 911.
This article explores common and rare side effects of antibiotics, including long term side effects and when to consult a doctor.
Learn more about bacteria here.
Common side effects of antibiotics
Jeff Wasserman/Stocksy
Whenever a person takes an antibiotic, they may experience some common side effects, such as:
Digestive problems
Digestive symptoms may include:
nausea
indigestion
vomiting
diarrhea
bloating or feeling full
loss of appetite
stomach pain or cramping
Sometimes, a person needs to take antibiotics with food; other times, they need to take them on an empty stomach. A person can speak with their doctor or a pharmacist about how best to take their antibiotic.
Most digestive problems go away once a person stops taking the antibiotic.
Persons with digestive side effects, such as bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or uncontrollable vomiting, should stop taking their antibiotics and immediately contact a doctor.
Learn more about other common digestive disorders here.
Fungal infection
Antibiotics are drugs that kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections and upset the natural balance of the body’s natural flora.
As a result of this imbalance, taking antibiotics may lead to a fungal (candida)Trusted Source infection of the mouth, digestive tract, or vagina.
Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush.
Symptoms of thrush may include:
white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
pain while eating or swallowing
bleeding with tooth brushing
Doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications such as nystatin to treat fungal infections.
Learn more about the gut microbiota here.
UTI antibiotics and yeast infections
Treating a UTI with antibiotics can sometimes lead to a vaginal yeast infection.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection may include:
vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness
pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing
abdominal or pelvic pain
blood in the urine
white-to-grey lumpy vaginal discharge
fever and chills
Doctors often prescribe the antifungal drug fluconazole to treat yeast infections caused by UTI antibiotics.
Learn more about the safety of having sex and a UTI.
Drug interactions
Certain may interact with a person’s other medicines or supplements.
The symptoms of drug interactions range from mild to life threatening. Some common warning signs after taking the medication include:
feeling nauseous
feeling either very tired or very energetic
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, drug interactions may make an antibiotic less effective or increase the action of a particular drug.
It is generally a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Drinking alcohol while on certain antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness and increase the chance of antibiotic side effects.
Antibiotics that may interact with alcohol include:
doxycycline
erythromycin
metronidazole
tinidazole
isoniazid
To help avoid antibiotic drug interactions, people should always review newly prescribed medications with their doctor or pharmacist. Patient education inserts also list any drugs that might interact with the prescribed antibiotic.
Learn more about alcohol and antibiotics here.
Photosensitivity
Certain medications, including antibiotics, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This is a condition called photosensitivity.
Photosensitivity symptoms include:
discoloration of the skin, similar to the effects of sunburn
inflammation
itching
blisters that resemble hives
dry patches
Some antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity include ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and levofloxacin.
While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:
avoid prolonged periods of light exposure, especially between the hours of 10.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.Trusted Source
use a broad sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or above when outdoors, even on cloudy days
wear protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses to limit sun exposure
Anyone who experiences extreme sensitivity to the sun while taking antibiotics should talk with a doctor.
Learn about sunburn on dark skin here.
Staining
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that people who take tetracycline develop stains on their skin, nails, teeth, and bones. Doctors consider this a known but rare side effect of prolonged tetracycline use.
Teeth staining is irreversible in adults because their teeth do not regrow or change. However, as bones remodel themselves continuously, it is possible to reverse the staining.
A person should talk with a doctor about switching medications if taking antibiotics causes tooth discoloration or staining.
Learn more about stained teeth here.
Rare and more severe side effects
Some of the more serious side effects associated with antibiotics include:
Anaphylaxis
In some cases, therefore do not play Russianroulette with life! antibiotics can cause an extremely severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Signs of anaphylaxis include:
a rapid heartbeat, when a person’s resting heartbeat is greater than 60–100 beats per minuteTrusted Source
hives or a red, itchy rash
feelings of uneasiness and agitation
tingling sensations and dizziness
swelling of the face, mouth, and throat
rapid swelling of the lips or under the skin
severe wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
low blood pressure
fainting
seizures
Anaphylaxis can be fatal without immediate emergency care. If people suspect anaphylaxis, they should dial the emergency services or go to the emergency room right away or it will lead to death!
All antibiotics kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections and upset the natural balance of the body’s natural flora.
As a result of this imbalance, taking antibiotics leads to a fungal (candida)Trusted Source infection of the mouth, digestive tract, or vagina.
Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush.
Symptoms of thrush may include:
white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
pain while eating or swallowing
bleeding with tooth brushing.
Treating a UTI with antibiotics is the WRONG Thing to do! It will lead to a vaginal yeast infection!
NOTE: drug interactions can make an antibiotic none effective or increase the action of a particular drug. There the prescriber need to check every drug taken with antibiotics!
I hope this information is read, understood, never forgotten and shared. Please feel free to share from my personal page. It could save lives. Forewarned is forearmed.
Thank you for reading
The good Dr reveals all, the white coat is off. @thegooddoctorrevealsall
#thegooddoctorrevealsallthewhitecoatisoff Dr Fermin Celma AKA Jhon Smith
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