Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects associated with antibiotics are not life-threatening. In some cases, however, antibiotics can cause severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse reactions to antibiotics are responsible for 1 in 5 medication-related emergency room visits.
People should always talk with a doctor if antibiotics cause bothersome symptoms.
Call 911 and immediately stop taking antibiotics if side effects are severe or interfere with breathing.
Common side effects of antibiotics
People take antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. However, antibiotics may cause adverse side effects in some people.
Side effects may include:
1. Digestive problems
Share on PinterestSerious side effects of antibiotics are rare.
Issues with digestion are one of the most commonly reported side effects of taking antibiotics.
Symptoms of digestion problems include:
nausea
indigestion
vomiting
diarrhea
bloating
feeling of fullness
loss of appetite
stomach cramping or pain
Most digestive problems go away once someone stops take an antibiotic.
Anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should stop taking the antibiotics and talk with a doctor.
Severe symptoms include:
blood or mucus in stool
severe diarrhea
intense stomach cramping or pain
fever
uncontrollable vomiting
To decrease the risk of developing digestive issues, be sure to read the instructions that come with the medication.
2. Fungal infections
Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections.
As a result, many people taking antibiotics develop fungal infections in the:
vagina
mouth
throat
People taking antibiotics or who have taken them and think they may have a fungal infection should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.
Antifungal medications treat fungal infections in most cases.
Symptoms of common fungal infections include:
vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness
pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing
abnormal vaginal discharge, usually white-to-grey and lumpy
fever and chills
a white, thick coating in the mouth and throat
pain while eating or swallowing
white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue
loss of taste
a cottony feeling in the mouth
3. Drug interactions
Some common medications interact with certain antibiotics. These include:
blood thinners
birth control medications (may only occur with rifamycins)
antacids
antihistamines
multivitamins and some supplements, especially those high in zinc, iron, and calcium
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
psoriasis medications
rheumatoid arthritis medications
diuretics
antifungals
diabetes medications
muscle relaxants
steroids
Parkinson’s disease medications
cyclosporine
lithium
retinoids and vitamin A supplements
cholesterol medications, including statins
migraine medications
gout medications
tricyclic antidepressants
People should always tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking to help avoid interactions. The pamphlet in the package should also list any drugs that might interact with that specific type of antibiotic.
4. Photosensitivity
Share on PinterestPeople should use sun protection when taking antibiotics that can cause photosensitive skin.
Many types of antibiotics make the skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive).
While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:
avoid prolonged periods of light exposure
always use high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens when in the sun
wear protective clothing when in the sun, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants
Anyone who experiences extreme sensitivity to the sun while taking antibiotics should talk to a doctor.
5. Teeth and bone staining
Some estimates suggest that 3 to 6 percent of the people who take tetracycline develop stains on their teeth enamel. T
By dr.Rawaa M.Mohammed