Antibiotics are widely used to treat infections, from pneumonia and sore throats to meningitis. However, patients need to use them correctly and only when absolutely necessary to avoid unwanted consequences, such as antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, helping the body recover from infection. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu, according to the UK health website Medical News Today .
For antibiotics to be most effective, patients need to take the medication exactly as directed by their doctor.
Questions that patients should ask their doctor before taking antibiotics include:
Is it really necessary to use antibiotics?
Experts say patients should understand why they are prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics are being used increasingly around the world . An annual report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that at least 28% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.
Therefore, patients need to discuss with their doctor whether antibiotics are truly necessary. In fact, illnesses caused by viruses require antiviral medication instead of antibiotics. Common viral illnesses include the common cold, flu, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
What is the time interval between oral doses?
Antibiotics are most effective when taken regularly, with appropriate intervals between doses. This helps ensure consistent and stable drug levels in the blood.
Therefore, patients need to ask specifically how long the time interval between two doses is and follow their doctor's instructions. Depending on the type of medication, this interval may be 12 hours, 8 hours, or less.
Is it necessary to take medication with meals?
Taking medication with meals can affect how the drug is absorbed by the body. Some medications need to be taken with meals to prevent nausea caused by stomach irritation. Meanwhile, some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach because food can prevent the drug from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Which foods should be avoided?
Interactions can occur between antibiotics and food. For example, milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium. Calcium can bind to certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. This binding reduces the drug's absorption. Therefore, patients should take these antibiotics at least two hours before and after consuming milk or dairy products, according to Medical News Today .
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-cau-hoi-nguoi-benh-can-hoi-bac-si-truoc-khi-dung-khang-sinh-185250122154958739.htm
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