Antibiotics - Medications for Bacterial Infections

Image credit: starhealth.in

What are antibiotics used for?

Their use in surgical procedures is to help prevent infection of incisions. They have an important role in dental antibiotic prophylaxis where their use may prevent bacteremia and consequent infective endocarditis. Antibiotics are also used to prevent infection in cases of neutropenia particularly cancer-related.

When are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections?

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that: People at a high risk of infection may also be given antibiotics as a precaution, known as antibiotic prophylaxis. Read more about when antibiotics are used and why antibiotics are not routinely used to treat infections.

How do antibiotics work?

Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. Common antibiotics include gentamicin, cephalexin, ertapenem, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole. They include a range of powerful drugs used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections, such as cold, flu, and most coughs.

What are antibiotics & how do they work?

Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. They work to clear up infections either by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. They typically have to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Learn more about using antibiotics, including when and how to take them safely.

Why are antibiotics so important?

Antibiotics are normally only prescribed for more serious bacterial infections, as many infections get better on their own. Correct use of antibiotics is absolutely essential to help reduce antibiotic resistance. Germs become resistant to antibiotics over time, which then makes them less effective.

What Is Antibiotics

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/
2. https://www.britannica.com/science/antibiotic
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotic
4. https://microbiologysociety.org/membership/membership-resources/outreach-resources/antibiotics-unearthed/antibiotics-and-antibiotic-resistance/what-are-antibiotics-and-how-do-they-work.html
5. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-antibiotics
6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/antibiotics-factsheet-5221124
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278
8. https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work

Antibiotics Information

1. https://patient.info/infections/antibiotics-leaflet
2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/antibiotics/
3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/antibiotics/overview-of-antibiotics