Side effects of antibiotics

This is an automatically translated article.

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent certain types of bacterial infections by killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying and spreading. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and sore throat. Because many mild infections are cleared by the body's immune system without the use of antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are not prescribed and taken correctly, they can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance.

1. Common side effects

All medications have side effects, and antibiotics are no exception. Antibiotics are drugs that treat infections by killing bacteria or other organisms or slowing their growth. An antibiotic side effect occurs as an unwanted reaction that occurs beyond the intended therapeutic effect of the antibiotic you are taking. These effects can range from a mild allergic reaction to a serious and debilitating side effect. When used appropriately, most antibiotics are relatively safe with few side effects. However, some side effects may interfere with your ability to finish your medication. In these cases, you should contact specialists for timely advice.
A few common side effects include:
1.1. Stomach pain Many antibiotics cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal side effects, including: Nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion.
Most side effects go away on their own when you stop taking the medicine.
Serious gastrointestinal side effects can be caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your intestinal tract such as:
Blood or mucus in the stool Severe diarrhea Severe abdominal cramps or pain Fever Uncontrolled vomiting Macrolides, cephalosporins, penicillins, and fluoroquinolones can cause more stomach upset than other antibiotics.

1.2. Fungal infections Antibiotics are prescribed to kill harmful bacteria, but sometimes they kill the good bacteria that protect your body from fungal infections like lactobacillus in the vagina that help control a natural fungus called is Candida. As a result, many people who use antibiotics have fungal infections in the vagina and oropharynx.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include:
Vaginal itching, swelling and pain Pain and burning sensation during intercourse and when urinating Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually grayish-white and lumpy Fever and chills A thick white coating in the mouth and throat Pain when eating or swallowing White patches on the throat, cheeks, palate or tongue Loss of taste 1.3. Sensitivity to the sun If you are taking antibiotics, such as tetracycline, your body may become more sensitive to light and may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn. The photosensitivity should go away after you finish taking the antibiotic.
While taking antibiotics you should:
Avoid prolonged exposure to light Always use a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen when out in the sun Wear protective clothing when out in the sun. 1.4. Fever Fever is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. Drug fever can occur with any antibiotic, but they are more common with the following classes of antibiotics:
Beta-lactam Cephalexin Minocycline Sulfonamide

1.5. Teeth and bone discoloration It is estimated that 3-6% of people taking tetracyclines develop stains on their tooth enamel. This yellowing is irreversible in adults because there is no tooth replacement and regrowth.
Stain may also appear on some bones. However, bone is constantly regenerating itself, so antibiotic-induced bone stains are usually reversible.
1.6. Drug interactions Some common drugs interact with certain antibiotics
Blood thinners Birth control pills (can only happen with rifamycins) Antacids Antihistamines Multivitamins and some supplements supplements, especially those high in zinc, iron, and calcium Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Psoriasis medications Rheumatoid arthritis medications Diuretics Antifungal drugs Diabetics Muscle relaxants Steroids Medicines Parkinson's Cyclosporine Lithium Retinoids and vitamin A supplements Cholesterol medications, including statins Migraine medications Gout medications Tricyclic antidepressants

2. Serious side effects

2.1. Anaphylaxis In rare cases, antibiotics can cause an extremely serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Signs include:
Fast heartbeat Red, itchy rash or hives Feelings of restlessness and agitation Feelings of tingling and dizziness Severe nausea, vomiting Itching and rash over large parts of the body Swelling swelling under the skin Swelling of the mouth, throat, and face Severe wheezing, cough and difficulty breathing Fainting Low blood pressure Convulsions Anaphylaxis usually develops very quickly, sometimes at the time of injection or within 15 minutes to 1 hours after antibiotic injection. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated promptly. Therefore, always take the first dose of antibiotics in a medical facility.
2.2. Blood reactions Some antibiotics can cause changes in your blood.
Example: Leukopenia is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. It can lead to increased infections.
Another change is thrombocytopenia. This can cause bleeding, bruising, and slow blood clotting.
Beta-lactam antibiotics and sulfamethoxazole cause these side effects more often.

2.3. Heart problems In rare cases, some antibiotics can cause heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure.
Antibiotics commonly associated with these side effects are terbinafine, erythromycin, and some fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin.
2.4. Tendonitis Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of tendons (thick cords that attach bone to muscle and they can be found all over your body.
Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin have been reported to cause inflammation. tendon or tendon rupture
Everyone is at risk for tendon problems when taking certain antibiotics, however, some people are at higher risk of tendon rupture including:
Have existing kidney failure at Have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant Ever had tendon problems Taking steroids Elderly > 60 years old 2.5. Seizures Very rarely, convulsions are caused by antibiotics, convulsions are more common with ciprofloxacin, imipenem and cephalosporins such as cefixime and cephalexin
2.6 Stevens - Johnson syndrome Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, but serious, disorder of the skin and mucous membranes that is a possible reaction. It happens more often with antibiotics like beta-lactams and sulfamethoxazole.
Usually, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms, such as a fever or sore throat. These symptoms may be followed by blisters and a widespread, painful rash. Other symptoms may include:
Fever Cough Swelling of face or tongue Pain of oral cavity and throat area 2.7. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics Some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics. Some infections are caused by a strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that do not respond to any of the antibiotics currently available.

Drug-resistant infections can be severe and potentially life-threatening.
Some ways to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections include:
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking antibiotics Always finish all prescribed doses of antibiotics right away even when symptoms are gone Never take antibiotics prescribed to someone else Never take antibiotics that are out of date or old Use antibiotics only when needed for bacterial infections Do not use antibiotics for symptoms of the common cold, such as a runny nose, cough, or wheezing Avoid using antibiotics regularly or for long periods of time unless necessary Return unused antibiotics to the pharmacy or throw them in the regular trash Never flush unused or leftover antibiotics down the toilet or drain Never break or crush antibiotic pills or tablets Avoid fruit and juices, milk and alcohol for 3 hours after taking a dose of antibiotic 2.8. Kidney failure The kidneys are responsible for removing toxins, including drugs, from the blood and body through urine. Antibiotics can overload your kidneys and damage them in people with kidney disease.
As people age, their kidneys also naturally become less efficient. Doctors will usually prescribe lower doses of antibiotics for older people or people with kidney disease.
2.9. Clostridium difficile colitis Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, is a bacteria that can infect the large intestine and cause Clostridium difficile colitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the intestines and severe diarrhea.
C-difficile colitis is challenging to treat because the bacteria are resistant to most currently available antibiotics.
Severe, chronic, or untreated cases of C-difficile colitis can lead to death.

3. List of some typical antibiotics and their side effects

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com, drugs.com