What are antibiotics? What precautions must be taken while taking antibiotics?


Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medicines or drugs that help stop infections caused by bacteria, by killing them or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing.

Antibiotics are only effective in bacterial infections, not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. 

Penicillin, was the first natural antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming, in 1928.

Example of some antibiotics are- Penicillins, Tetracyclines,  Cephalosporins. 

There are also some side effects of antibiotics and they are-  diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

The types of infections that can be treated with antibiotics are:-

1. Dental infections

2. Skin infections

3. Bladder and kidney infections

4. Bacterial pneumonia

5. Whooping cough

6. Some ear and sinus infections


Precautions that must be taken while taking antibiotics are:-

1. It should be taken under the supervision of a well-qualified experienced doctor.

2. Its course (intake) must be finished as prescribed by the doctor.

3. It should be taken in the right amount and at the right time, because excessive or unnecessary consumption may kill the useful bacteria present in our body.

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Updated on: 29-Mar-2023

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