Antibiotics

Antibiotics

Antibiotics

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria.  They include a range of powerful drugs and are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria.  Infections caused by viruses, such as colds,...

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The High Price of Antibiotic Use

The High Price of Antibiotic Use

Can Our Guts Ever Fully Recover? Maintaining proper balance of healthy gut flora is a crucial yet widely misunderstood component of human health. While the development of antibiotics has lengthened our lifespans, our excessive and inappropriate use of these drugs may...

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Side Effects of Long-Term Antibiotic Use

Side Effects of Long-Term Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics are chemicals that have the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria, and are either produced naturally by other microorganisms or synthetically in a laboratory. Although antibiotics are commonly prescribed for 7 to 14 days to...

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More Unwanted Effects Than Previously Thought

More Unwanted Effects Than Previously Thought

We have known for some time that one of the unwanted side effects of taking antibiotics is their disruption of friendly microbes in the gut. But now a new study that takes a closer look suggests the consequences of long-term antibiotic use could be even far-more...

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How Do Antibiotics Work?

How Do Antibiotics Work?

Although there are a number of different types of antibiotic, they all work in one of two ways: A bactericidal antibiotic (penicillin, for instance) kills the bacteria; these drugs usually interfere with either the formation of the bacterium's cell wall or its cell...

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Allergic Reactions and Interactions

Allergic Reactions and Interactions

Some patients may develop an allergic reaction to antibiotics - especially penicillins. Side effects might include a rash, swelling of the tongue and face, and difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can be immediate or delayed hypersensitivity...

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Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is the inability of the antibiotic to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, thereby making it useless to treat infections caused by that particular bacteria. Development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is possibly the most serious side effect...

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