are there different kinds of antibiotics ? or all they all the same?
2006-09-16 05:52:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
and can you but them at the pharmacy without a prescription?
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2006-09-16 06:49:02 · answer #1 · answered by DOC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many differant types of antibiotics. Antibiotics are strong medicines that can stop some infections and save lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm than good when they aren't used the right way. You can protect yourself and your family by knowing when you should use antibiotics and when you shouldn't.
Do antibiotics work against all infections?
No. Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. They don't work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds, the flu, and most coughs and sore throats.
What is "bacterial resistance"?
Usually antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. However, some bacteria have become resistant to specific antibiotics. This means that the antibiotics don’t work against them. Bacteria become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often or are not used correctly.
Resistant bacteria sometimes can be treated with different antibiotics to which the bacteria have not yet become resistant. These medicines may have to be given intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital. A few kinds of resistant bacteria are untreatable.
What can I do to help myself and my family?
Don't expect antibiotics to cure every illness. Don't take antibiotics for viral illnesses like colds or the flu. Often, the best thing you can do is let colds and the flu run their course. Sometimes this can take 2 weeks or more. If your illness gets worse after 2 weeks, talk to your doctor. He or she can also give you advice on what you can do to ease your symptoms while your body fights off the virus.
How do I know when I need antibiotics?
The answer depends on what is causing your infection. The following are some basic guidelines:
Colds and flu. Viruses cause these illnesses. They can't be cured with antibiotics.
Cough or bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause these. However, if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause. Your doctor may decide to try using an antibiotic.
Sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don't need antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. Usually you'll have a throat swab and a lab test before your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for strep throat.
Ear infections. There are several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are used for some, but not all, ear infections.
Sinus infections. Antibiotics are often used to treat sinus infections. However, a runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic. Hope this helps you out dear............Flo
2006-09-16 06:07:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many different antibiotics just as there are many different forms of bacteria. Most bacteria have formed some resistance to certain antibiotics, which is why a doc will prescribe an specific medicine for a specific infection. You must have a prescription to get an antibiotic at the pharmacy.
2006-09-16 06:06:37 · answer #3 · answered by zbelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several major categories of antibiotics. There are aminoglycosides, penicillins, tetracyclines, etc.
In the U.S., antibiotics, in general, are not OTC. That is considered to be too much a risk. People would take them for everything, and we already have problems with antibiotic resistant bacteria. If interested in the difference, ask your MD or Pharmacist.
2006-09-17 05:06:09 · answer #4 · answered by Lea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Antibiotics differ. You should only get them by prescription. You should avoid them if possible, to avoid developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains, and you should ALWAYS take them all as prescribed, for the same reason.
2006-09-16 06:04:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are antibiotics that are specifically good for certain strains of bacteria, then there are expensive broad spectrum antibiotics that covers most disease causing bacteria around, but when some antibiotics are not working, they do culture and sensitivity and they actually find out which this microorganism is sensitive to. and they do this for people with recurrent bacterial infection as some bacteria can be resistant to frequently used antibiotics.
2006-09-16 06:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by ♦cat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be more concerned why you are so subject to infections. In need of antibiotics. Knowing those antibiotics are very hard on the normal flora of the intestine.
2006-09-16 07:11:25 · answer #7 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many different types of antibiotics. Some are broad spectrum and can treat many different types of intection. Others treat specific strands of bacteria.
2006-09-16 05:56:24 · answer #8 · answered by babygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need a prescription for an antibiotic - unless it's an ointment then you can buy it OTC (over the counter) - like neosporin - and they're all different like amoxicillin, bactrim, zithromax - they're mainly different in they treat different things and they're different strengths
2006-09-16 06:01:43 · answer #9 · answered by Angelina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋