Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical discoveries, saving millions of lives. However, their uncontrolled use has become a global problem, leading to an increase in bacterial resistance and serious consequences for the body. According to the World Health Organization, more than 50% of patients take antibiotics incorrectly, and in 30% of cases, prescriptions are not justified. How to use these medications in a way that benefits, rather than harms, your health — read in this guide.
Key Rules for Taking Antibiotics
The first and most important rule is that antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor. These medications are effective only against bacterial infections and are completely useless for viral diseases (such as flu, ARVI, most cases of bronchitis, and sore throat). Trying to treat viral infections with antibiotics not only doesn’t help but also weakens the body by destroying beneficial microflora.
If a doctor confirms the bacterial nature of the infection and prescribes an antibiotic, it’s crucial to strictly follow the dosage and schedule. Most antibiotics should be taken at equal intervals, for example, every 8 or 12 hours, to maintain a constant concentration of the active substance in the blood. Missing a dose reduces treatment effectiveness, and doubling the dose increases the risk of side effects.
Antibiotics should only be taken with water (at least 100 ml), as tea, coffee, milk, and juices can interact with the medication, reducing absorption or causing undesirable chemical reactions. Combining certain antibiotics with dairy products is especially dangerous — calcium binds to the active ingredient, making the treatment ineffective.
It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve after 2-3 days. Interrupted treatment is the main cause of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria do not die but mutate, becoming resistant to the drug. The next time, the antibiotic may not work, and doctors may have to prescribe stronger and more toxic drugs.
Why Is Self-Medication Dangerous?
The main danger of self-administering antibiotics is the development of bacterial resistance. According to scientists’ predictions, by 2050, antibiotic resistance will cause up to 10 million deaths annually, more than from cancer. Already, there are “superbugs” such as MRSA, which are resistant to most known antibiotics.
Another risk is the destruction of beneficial intestinal microflora, leading to dysbiosis, diarrhea, fungal infections, and weakened immunity. Some antibiotics, when misused, can cause severe side effects — affecting tendons, the nervous system, and even causing mental health disorders.
It is especially dangerous to “prescribe” antibiotics to children on your own. Many medications are prohibited in pediatrics due to their toxicity, and the dosage must be carefully calculated based on the child’s weight.
How to Support Your Body During and After Taking Antibiotics?
To minimize harm to your microflora, it’s advisable to start taking probiotics from the first day of treatment, but not at the same time as the antibiotic; there should be a 2-3 hour gap. Your diet should include fermented dairy products, sauerkraut, and fiber, as they create a favorable environment for the restoration of beneficial bacteria.
After completing a course of antibiotics, give your body time to recover — avoid stress, overheating, and contact with sick people, as immunity is temporarily weakened. If there is no improvement within 2-3 days after starting the medication, consult your doctor — the bacteria may be resistant to the prescribed antibiotic, and treatment may need to be adjusted.
Photo: freepik.com