How to take antibiotics correctly, the first rule
Any antibiotics should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
The main rule is to use antibiotics only in cases when it is impossible to do without them. Indications for the use of antibiotics – the appearance of signs of an acute bacterial infection, which the body cannot cope with on its own:
- Persistent and prolonged temperature rise
- Purulent discharge
- Changes in blood composition – an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis), a shift in the white blood cell formula to the left (increases in rod-shaped and segmented white blood cells), increased ESR
- After a period of improvement, the patient’s condition worsens again.
It is known that antibiotics are powerless against viruses. Therefore, with the flu, SARS, and some acute intestinal infections, their use is pointless and unsafe (see whether to drink antibiotics for colds and SARS). What else does everyone need to know in order to take antibiotics correctly?
Rule 2: Write down all the information about taking antibiotics earlier
When, what antibiotics, what course, for what diseases — write down. This is especially true for taking medications by children. During the use of antibiotics, it is important to pay attention to what side effects or manifestations of allergies were and write it down. The doctor will not be able to adequately choose an antibiotic for you (for example, amoxil), in the case when he does not have information — what, in what doses you or your child took antibiotics before. You should also inform your doctor about other medications that you are taking (constantly or right now).
Never ask a doctor to prescribe antibiotics
How to take antibiotics correctly. The doctor may prescribe antimicrobial agents for you without special indications, if you insist. The use of antibiotics significantly accelerates recovery, but this is not always justified. Moreover, do not ask for “something” stronger at the pharmacy. Stronger does not mean more effective. Sometimes a pharmacy may offer to replace one drug with a similar one, in this case it is better to coordinate such a replacement with a doctor or to clarify the composition and active substance with a pharmacist, so as not to violate the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
The fourth rule is how to take antibiotics correctly
Take a bacterial culture test to choose the “best” antibiotic.
For some diseases, it is ideal when it is possible to pass tests for bacterial culture with the determination of sensitivity to antibiotics. When there is laboratory data, the selection of an antibiotic is simplified and in this case the treatment is obtained with sniper accuracy. The disadvantage of this analysis is that it takes from 2 to 7 days to wait for the result.
How to take antibiotics correctly 5
Strictly observe the time and frequency of reception Always maintain equal intervals of time between taking the antibiotic. This is necessary to maintain a constant concentration of the drug in the blood. Many people mistakenly perceive information about the frequency of reception, if it is recommended to take 3 times a day, this does not mean that the reception should be for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This means that the reception is carried out after 8 hours. If 2 times a day, then exactly after 12 hours.
Antibiotics. How to take it correctly?
All remaining rules:
How many days to take antibiotics? Usually 5-7 days are enough, sometimes the duration of taking an antibiotic is 10-14 days. Powerful antibiotics of prolonged action are taken once a day for 3 days or 5 days, in severe cases, the doctor can prescribe such a scheme: 3 days to drink, 3 days a break — and so 3 doses. The duration of taking antibiotics is determined by the doctor.
Continuity of the course of treatment. If you have started a course of antibiotics, in no case should you stop treatment as soon as you feel an improvement. It is worth continuing treatment 2-3 days after improvement, recovery. You should also monitor the effect of the antibiotic. If there is no improvement within 72 hours, then the pathogen is resistant to this antibiotic and it should be replaced.
Never try to adjust the dosage of an antibiotic. The use of drugs in small doses is very dangerous, as the likelihood of resistant bacteria increases. Increasing the dose is also not safe, because it leads to overdose and side effects.
Take probiotics. During treatment, it is worth taking medications that restore the natural intestinal microflora. Since antibacterial agents destroy beneficial bacteria in the body, it is necessary to take probiotics, use fermented milk products (separately from taking antibiotics). It is better to take these drugs in between taking antimicrobials.
When treating with antibiotics, follow a special diet. It is necessary to abandon fatty foods, fried, smoked and canned foods, exclude alcohol and sour fruits. Taking antibiotics depresses the liver, therefore, food should not burden the liver too much. Include more vegetables, sweet fruits, and white bread in the diet.
Take antibiotics correctly – Conclusion
By following these simple rules, you will not experience health problems and your body will be less at risk from improper intake. Do not forget the first rule – before any use of a medical drug, a consultation with a doctor is necessary!