Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance
By Bobby Calhoun Pharm. D.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Posted: 9:26p.m .est, July 30, 2008

Bobby Calhoun Pharm. D.

An antibiotic is any substance that interferes with the ability of bacteria to function normally. It may either inhibit their growth (bacteriostatic antibiotic) or kill the bacteria (bactericidal antibiotic).

 

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections ranging from life-threatening meningitis to common problems like acne and strep throat. Antibiotics will not help cure illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.

 

Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming in London, England. Fleming made his discovery when he noticed that bacteria could not survive on a culture plate that contained a mold commonly found on bread.

 

The discovery of penicillin was considered a medical miracle because it helped wipe out many of the diseases that are caused by bacteria. This meant that deadly diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, syphilis and tetanus could now be treated. With time, however,

 

Bacteria started to become resistant to antibiotics or not affected at all. Over the years, pathogenic bacteria-the bacteria that cause disease have grown resistant to many conventional antibiotics because of overuse or inappropriate use.

Common myths and realities:

 

Myth:	I can stop taking my antibiotics as soon as I start feeling better.
Reality:	Even though you feel better, you need to keep taking the antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribed them. If you don’t finish the antibiotics, some of the dangerous bacteria may not die and you might get sick again. The bacteria that are still alive could also become resistant and make the infection you already have even harder to treat.
Myth:	As long as I take the right number of pills, I can take antibiotics at any time of day.
Reality:	Antibiotics don’t work as well when they aren’t taken on time. Because medicines stay in your system for a certain amount of time, you must take each dose according to the instructions from you doctor and pharmacist. Taking antibiotics irregularly allows bacteria to adapt and multiply, adding to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Myth:	I can save leftover antibiotics for the next time I get sick.
Reality:	You should never take leftover pills, whether they’re someone else’s or your own. Specific antibiotics are effective against specific bacteria, and it is wrong to assume that someone else’s pills (or some of your own leftover pills from another illness) will work. Antibiotics should always be finished unless directed by a physician to stop. Any remaining medication should be disposed of properly.
Myth:	Antibiotics will help cure colds and flu.
Reality:	Colds and flu- and the sore throats, aches and pains, chills, runny noses, watery eyes, and dry coughs that go with them- are caused by viruses. Infections caused by viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics will only help if your illness is caused by a bacterial infection.
Myth:	I have become resistant to antibiotics.
Reality:	Actually, it’s bacteria that develop resistance to antibiotics, not people. When bacteria become resistant, the antibiotic can no longer effectively inhibit or kill bacteria. Some people believe they won’t develop resistance because they have either always taken their antibiotics as directed or have never had to take antibiotics. This is a serious misconception, because anyone can become infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

 

Your doctor needs your help. Don’t hesitate to let your doctor know if your condition does not appear to improve after a reasonable period. Remember to carefully follow instructions when taking antibiotics, because you can play an important role in helping to reduce antibiotic resistance.