Pharmacy
The antibiotic(s) I am taking is/are:
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics, sometimes called antibacterials, treat infections caused by bacteria (or ‘bugs’).
They come as:
Liquids, tablets or capsules (taken by mouth (orally)
Injections (usually given in hospital) in creams, ointments and lotion (applied to the skin)
Eye drops and eye ointments
Sprays and drops (applied into the ear or the nose)
Nebulised solution (inhaled) and suppositories
How do antibiotics work?
Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them growing and multiplying. This is by interfering with bacteria cell walls or the way they make proteins and DNA.
Antibiotics do not work against infections caused by viruses (such as the common cold or flu) or fungi (such as thrush or athlete’s foot). They do little to speed up recovery in most cases of bronchitis or ear, nose, and throat infections. Even if you have a mild bacterial infection, the immune system can usually deal with this on its own and you will not require antibiotics.
A viral infection or minor bacterial infection can sometimes develop into a more serious secondary bacterial infection which will then be treated with antibiotics. A secondary infection occurs when new bacteria infect a person recovering from another infection.
When are antibiotics usually prescribed?
Antibiotics are used for serious infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia or meningitis. In these situations, such medicines are often life-saving. However, they can be used for less serious conditions such as acne (in creams or taken orally).
The antibiotic you are prescribed will depend upon the infection you have and the bacteria causing it. Each antibiotic works against different types of bacteria. In different parts of the country, different antibiotics may be prescribed for the same condition. This is because the type of bacteria causing the condition and the antibiotics to which they are resistant may be different.
There are a number of antibiotics that are safe to take in pregnancy or when breast-feeding.
How long will my treatment be?
The length of treatment varies. It depends what infection you have, how severe it is and how quickly you get better after starting treatment. It can range from one dose to a lengthy course. Most treatments last between 5 and 14 days.
When taking an antibiotic:
Some antibiotics need to be taken with food and others should be taken on an empty stomach. If antibiotics are not taken correctly, it will affect their absorption (how much gets into the body), so the medicine may not work. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor, your pharmacist and the leaflet that comes with the antibiotic.
Always take antibiotics as directed. If you have a clear bacterial infection, it is important to complete the course even if you feel better before finishing them (unless a doctor tells you to stop). This is important for your recovery! If an antibiotic is stopped mid-course, any remaining bacteria may only be partly treated and not completely killed. They may then become resistant to that antibiotic.
What are the possible side-effects and interactions?
All medicication come with the risk of side-effects. Antibiotics can kill off normal, helpful bacteria which live in the bowel and vagina. This can allow thrush or bad bacteria (such as Clostridium difficile) to grow and multiply.
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following side-effects:
- Severe watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramps (possible signs of a serious bacterial infection of the gut – Clostridium difficile infection)
- Shortness of breath, itching, rash, swelling of lips, face or tongue, fainting (signs of an allergic reaction)
- Vaginal itching or discharge (signs of vaginal thrush)
- White patches on the tongue (signs of oral thrush)
- Vomiting
When antibiotics are prescribed you should tell the doctor about any other medicines you take, because some may interact. This means some side-effects may be more likely to occur or the effectiveness of one of the treatments is reduced.
Antibiotics may stop your contraception working, but it depends upon the type of contraception you use and the antibiotic you are taking. It’s now thought the only antibiotics that interact with hormonal contraception and make it less effective are Rifampicin and Rifabutin. These can be used to treat or prevent diseases, including tuberculosis and meningitis.
Please speak to your doctor if you are prescribed one of these and are currently taking hormonal contraception.
Who cannot take antibiotics?
Do not take an antibiotic if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
An allergic reaction would be any one (or more) of the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Rash
- Swelling of lips, face or tongue
- Fainting
Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one antibiotic, your doctor will be able to choose a different one for you to take.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854830
Please ask to speak to the antimicrobial pharmacy team
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital In Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]