You antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial diseases such as pneumonia and odontogenic infections. They are able to destroy these pathogenic organines and also prevent them from multiplying. However, despite being extremely important drugs, can cause serious damage if not used correctly.
One of the main consequences of the inappropriate use of antibiotics is the Bacterial resistance. This process occurs when resistant bacteria, that is, bacteria that are not killed by a certain type of antibiotic, are selected. Frequent exposure to antibiotics, for example, can facilitate the acquisition of bacterial resistance mechanisms, leading to the emergence of so-called superbugs.
THE Bacterial resistance has become a serious public health problem, but it is not the only damage caused by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Several people who use the drug incorrectly or without medical advice suffer from side reactions of that product. Some antibiotics have such a strong action that can attack the kidneys, muscles, heart, gastrointestinal system, liver, skin, hearing and even the central nervous system., promoting mental confusion, depression and hallucinations.
Therefore, antibiotics should be used with caution. Here are some tips on how to use them properly:
→ Use them only if recommended by your doctor or dentist. Do not accept referrals from friends, relatives or pharmacy clerks;
→ If an antibiotic was used by a friend who had symptoms similar to yours, it does not mean that the drug will have the same effect on you;
→ Strictly obey antibiotic intake schedules;
→ Obey the dosage recommended by doctors and dentists. Larger doses do not guarantee a faster cure;
→ When you feel better, do not stop treatment. Antibiotic ingestion should last as long as determined by the doctor or dentist, even if the symptoms are gone. This point is extremely important because, when interrupting the treatment, the patient leaves the most resistant bacteria alive, helping to select these strains;
→ Do not use alcoholic beverages and antibiotics at the same time. Some of these medications, such as metronidazole and tinidazole, can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, and even death if used with alcohol;
→ Do not use antibiotics or any other medication that has passed its expiration date;
→ Viral diseases are not cured with the use of antibiotics, so this medicine is not recommended for the flu, for example.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude/uso-correto-antibioticos.htm