The agenda of celebrating the antibiotic awareness week is to spread awareness about what are antibiotics. This year, the world's antibiotic awareness week will be celebrated from 18-24 November. So without any further delay, let's start.Whenever you are down with certain types of infections, the doctor recommends taking Antibiotics. But have you ever thought about what are antibiotics? A basic overview of antibiotics is that they are a class of medication that helps in treating infections. Infections are usually a result of germs, bacteria and a certain group of parasites. There are certain limits of antibiotics meaning, it does not work against the common cold or the flu. The consumption of antibiotics is generally done only if the doctor prescribes them. The reason behind this is that after a certain period of time, germs and bacteria become immune to antibiotics. Hence, the usage of antibiotics needs monitoring.Every year in the United States, more than 2.8 million infections from bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics occur. As a result, more than 35,000 people die. Many more die from complications from antibiotic-resistant infections.
What Are Antibiotics Types?
Below are a few types of antibiotics meaning, they are divided into certain classes depending upon what they are used for. This list will help in an in-depth understanding of what are antibiotics.1. Penicillins
Penicillin is one of the first and the most administered antibiotics meaning, it is among the widely used antibiotics. The Penicillin is extracted from the Penicillium mold. The following are some examples of Penicillin; phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin, and amoxicillin.2. Cephalosporins
Cephalosporin is another type of antibiotics meaning, there is more than just one type. Cephalosporin is extracted and processed from the fungus Acremonium, otherwise known as the Cephalosporium. The following are some examples of Cephalosporin; cefaclor, cefadroxil, and cephalexin.3. Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are a blocking type of antibiotics meaning, they work by preventing the bacteria from making proteins. Commercial use of Tetracycline started in 1978 after it was patented in 1953. The following are some examples of Tetracyclines; tetracycline, doxycycline, and lymecycline.4. Quinolones
Quinolones are widely used in the treatment of hospital-acquired infections antibiotics meaning, they are associated with infections arising from urinary catheters used in hospitals. This happens when the patient is under an immuno-deficient condition. The following are some examples of Quinolones; ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin.5. Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is a buffer type of antibiotics meaning, It works by slowing down the growth of bacteria rather than directly killing it. While side effects are common with all antibiotics, in case of Nitrofurantoin, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches are a common occurrence.6. Aminoglycosides
For the treatment of tuberculosis, Aminoglycosides were the first-ever used antibiotics meaning, they are the earliest modern agents against tuberculosis. This antibiotic is extracted from Streptomyces griseus. The following are some examples of Aminoglycosides; gentamicin, and tobramycin.7. Macrolides
Macrolides are a class of pharmaceutical antibiotics meaning, Macrolides are used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The following are some examples of Macrolides; erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.Above were a few of many types of antibiotics to help in better understanding what are antibiotics.What Are Antibiotics Process Of Fighting Germs & Diseases?
Antibiotics meaning, the class of medication which helps in treating infections, usually work by killing the germs or bacteria which cause diseases. How this happens is antibiotics interfere with the structure of bacteria. While there are cases where antibiotics stop the bacteria or the parasite from growing further.Must read: Do You Know The Difference Between Disease And Disorder?What Are Antibiotics Resistance?
There are some cases where the germs, bacteria, or the disease start resisting the antibiotics meaning, they will grow immune to them. One of the major causes of antibiotic resistance is that they are overused. Due to this, the bacteria adapt to the effects of antibiotics, essentially making the treatment ineffective. Hence, one should only take antibiotics when the doctor prescribes them.Also Read: [highlight color="yellow"]Medieval Medicine Yields Modern Weapons[/highlight]What Are Antibiotics Dosage?
There is a certain way of taking antibiotics meaning, one should follow specific instructions of the doctors before taking antibiotics. When a doctor prescribes antibiotics, the patient's first priority is to follow the entire course of the medicine. Secondly, the patient should also make sure that he or she is taking the right kind of antibiotics.What Are The Side Effects of Antibiotics?
As we know, excess of anything is harmful. Similarly, overusing antibiotics can cause certain side effects. Some of the common side effects are:- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset Stomach
- With certain antibiotics or prolonged use, fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Development of kidney stones, when taking sulphonamides
- Abnormal blood clotting, when taking some cephalosporins
- Sensitivity to sunlight, when taking tetracyclines
- Blood disorders, when taking trimethoprim
- Deafness, when taking erythromycin and the aminoglycosides
Take Away - What Are Antibiotics and Antibiotics Meaning
Doctors prescribe medicine after closely monitoring and testing what will be the right kind of treatment for the patient. It is necessary to follow a doctor's instructions closely. Especially when it comes to antibiotics meaning, antibiotic medicines should be consumed only if the doctor has prescribed them. This way not only do you understand what are antibiotics but you also help spread the awareness. So, celebrate world antibiotic awareness week and spread awareness among people.For more personalised information, contact our medical experts and book an appointment now.
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