Modern medicine has learned to rely on the frequent administration of different medications for the treatment of common infections. We are talking about antibiotics, chemical substances that have either a bactericide or bacteriostatic effect. In time, pharmaceutical companies and medical research facilities have made important discoveries regarding antibiotics, producing efficient drugs that are derived from live microorganisms. The industry of antibiotics has expanded tremendously in the past few years, more and more drugs being produced on a large scale, in order to treat infectious disease caused by world-renowned superbugs.

Antibiotics are available for oral administration but they also come in many other forms. Doctors prefer to recommend them as unguents or creams in case of bacterial skin infections, similar treatments being indicated for eye and ear infections as well. Antibiotic tablets, capsules or pills are administered for the treatment of internal bacterial infections, caused by diverse microorganisms. When entering the body, the active ingredients of the antibiotic pass from the stomach into the bloodstream, being then distributed to the areas of infection. When reaching the site, the antibiotic attacks the bacteria through different methods. The infection is reduced and the patient’s symptoms improve. Unfortunately, at this point many people decide to stop the treatment. Once stopped, the bacteria continue to multiply and become stronger. This is known as antibiotic resistance and an increased number of bacteria have exhibited immunity to commonly-administered antibiotics. Some resist to powerful antibiotics, used for the treatment of severe infections and they are known as the superbugs.

Doctors recommend antibiotics depending on the patient’s antibiogram. By taking a small blood sample, they are able to identify the type of bacterial infection and thus prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. If they cannot identify the bacteria or the patient suffers from several infectious diseases, then the treatment starts with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. There are many powerful drugs existent on the market, some being used for the treatment of mild infections and others for serious and life-threatening medical conditions caused by severely infecting microorganisms. Antibiotics are indicated for infections present at the level of the ear, eye, sinuses and urinary tract. They are commonly prescribed for sore throat or pharyngitis (bacterial infection caused by the streptococcus) but also for infections affecting the skin and internal infections. The dosage, treatment period and contraindications depend on each patient, the prescription label offering essential information.

Each antibiotic has a different action mechanism, depending on the class and chemical structure. There are many antibiotics inhibiting the growth of bacteria and probably just as many who destroy harmful microorganisms. Certain bactericide antibiotics cure infections in the body by destroying the structure of the bacterial cell. They affect the integrity of the cell wall and reduced the numbers of infectious bacteria. There is also the possibility for the antibiotic to cause a disruption in the metabolism of the bacteria, causing its slow but sure disappearance. Rifampin is one potent antibiotic, working its magic through the inhibition of the nucleic acid biosynthesis. The antibiotics which are part of the tetracycline group affect the synthesis of bacterial proteins and sulfonamides are known for interfering with the bacterial metabolism.

Antibiotics can produce the following side-effects: gastrointestinal discomfort with soft stools or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, they can cause abdominal cramps, yeast infections and tongue infections. At any point of your treatment, you should contact your doctor and mention any adverse reactions. He/she might decide to investigate the symptoms you are complaining of and discontinue the treatment. Antibiotics are responsible for serious allergic reactions, patients experiencing a rapid pulse, palpitations, difficult breathing and itchy skin eruptions. Sometimes, the side-effects caused by these drugs can be extremely grave, causing a temporary blockage of the kidneys. Emergency medical treatment is required.

As we have already mentioned, a growing number of bacteria have developed resistance to the current medication on the market. Scientists are desperately trying to find new antibiotics, ready to fight the powerful superbugs and they advise people to take antibiotics as instructed by the doctor. Repeated and improper usage of such drugs will eventually lead to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Vancomycin seems to be one of the few drugs that remain as an alternative in such situations, being used for both the treatment and prophylaxis of Gram-positive bacterial infections. The antibiotic acts by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis, being often indicated for serious, life-threatening infections where other antibiotics have failed to succeed. Many of the infections which are caused by microorganisms resistant to penicillin have been treated successfully with vancomycin but there have already been reported cases of vancomycin-resistant bacteria. Common side-effects associated with intravenous administration include local pain and discomfort. Other consequences of this treatment refer to kidney damage, allergic reactions with toxic epidermal necrosis and thrombocytopenia. Despite the few cases of resistant bacteria, vancomycin remains an elective treatment for serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Other antibiotics include macrolides, such as erythromycin, azithromycin or clarithromycin. These are mainly used for the treatment of streptococcal infections, other respiratory disorders and venereal bacterial infections (syphilis). They are likely to produce nausea, vomiting, icterus and diarrhea, especially when given in large doses. The action mechanism is based on the inhibition of the bacterial protein synthesis. Quinolones are also widely and frequently administered antibiotics, with Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin at the top. They have numerous indications, including gonorrhea, community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections. These antibiotics have the great advantage of producing rare side-effects, commonly manifested through nausea and tendon inflammation.