Side Effects of Antibiotics
December 1, 2009
Antibiotics work either as a bacteriostatic compound or as a bactericidal compound. Those antibiotics that function as bacteriostatic interfere with bacterial multiplication but do not cause bacterial death. Bactericidal antibiotics kill the bacteria.
Side Effects
Side effects of antibiotics are seen in all age groups. Most common side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, fungal infections of mouth or vagina and nausea and vomiting.
Most toxic of all is clindamycin and least toxic are penicillins. Cephalosporins have very less side effects but are not prescribed to people who have had history of allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, urticaria, etc.
Occasionally they cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive troubles. Rarely, cepahlosporins may cause abnormal blood clotting.
Penicillins too have very less side effects but they cause diarrhea. They are almost avoided during pregnancy. Rarely, penicillins may cause serious allergic reactions like anaphylactic shock. Fever is common.
Always check expiry date of the medication before consumption. It has been found that antibiotics become more susceptible to toxicity over period of time. Tetracyclines are extremely toxic after expiry date.
Otherwise, common side effects caused due to tetracyclines are sores in mouth and tongue, burning sensation of the stomach and increased risk of sunburn. It makes the skin more photo sensitivity.
Rarely, tetracyclines may cause intracranial hypertension. These antibiotics are not prescribed to children, especially during teething stage.
Sulphonamides are strong enough to cause kidney stones and trimethoprim may cause blood disorders.
Most common side effect seen in children on antibiotics is diaper rash. These may occur either by contact of the stools with the bottom of the baby or due to fungal infection in their intestine.
Children who are under antibiotic medication must be given some form of pro biotic (example acidophilus) preparation in order to prevent rashes. A zinc oxide based ointment is also helpful.
Care
Those eating antibiotics must try to take extra care of their digestive system and skin. People consuming life saving drugs (strong antibiotics) tend to have eczema like skin and acidity problems.
Eat regular meals and apply sufficient moisturizer to deal with dryness and peeling of the skin.
Coconut oil can be applied as an additional remedy. In case of no results dermatologist must be consulted immediately.
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