Search results
People also ask
What happens if you take too many antibiotics?
What are the risks of taking antibiotics?
What happens if you don't take an antibiotic?
Apr 9, 2024 · The overuse of antibiotics — especially taking antibiotics when they're not the correct treatment — promotes antibiotic resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of antibiotic use in people is not needed nor appropriate.
- Overview
- What is antibiotic overuse?
- Effects of overusing antibiotics
- Preventing antibiotic overuse
- Summary
Using antibiotics unnecessarily or excessively is known as antibiotic overuse. Some effects of overuse can include an increased risk of antibiotic-resistant infections and other antibiotic-related complications.
Overuse of antibiotics is both an individual and public health problem. Individuals who overuse antibiotics may be more vulnerable to antibiotic-related complications such as digestive problems, yeast infections, and allergic reactions.
From a public health perspective, widespread antibiotic overuse allows bacteria to evolve resistance to antibiotics rapidly. This can create infections that do not respond to typical treatments. Many public health agencies have published guidelines to help prevent antibiotic overuse.
Read on to learn more about the effects of overusing antibiotics.
Antibiotic overuse is when a person uses antibiotics too often or for the wrong reasons. Some examples of overuse include:
•taking leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antibiotics
•pressuring a doctor to prescribe antibiotics when they say it is unnecessary to do so
•taking the wrong dose of antibiotics, such as by taking them irregularly or stopping taking them too soon
•taking too many antibiotics, such as when a doctor prescribes an excessively high dose or IV antibiotics when they are not necessary
•taking antibiotics for a virus or other nonbacterial infection
Antibiotic resistance
Bacteria, as with all organisms, evolve in response to environmental pressures. Some bacteria possess mutations that allow them to resist antibiotics and gain an advantage. Typically, when only a few bacteria have natural resistance, the body can fight them off. But as more bacteria become resistant, an infection can overwhelm the body. When there is widespread antibiotic use, resistant bacteria become more common. This can cause antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be very dangerous. A person might need to take several antibiotics before one works. And an untreated infection can lead to serious health outcomes and even death. Learn more about antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic side effects
No drug is without risk or side effects. Every drug a person uses increases their risk of experiencing side effects. Antibiotics can cause various side effects, depending on individual circumstances and the specific drug. These can include: •diarrhea •gastrointestinal disturbances •constipation •heart rhythm changes •organ damage People can also have dangerous, sometimes life threatening allergic reactions to antibiotics. Taking antibiotics is also a risk factor for developing a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. C. diff is a bacteria that can cause serious digestive issues such as colon inflammation. People with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk. Learn more about the side effects of antibiotics.
Drug interactions
Antibiotics can interact harmfully with some other drugs. The more medications a person takes, the more likely those medications are to interact. A doctor can advise on possible interactions a person’s medications may cause. Drug interactions are especially likely when a person takes antibiotics outside of the supervision and guidance of a doctor. Learn more about drug interactions.
Antibiotic stewardship refers to the practice of using antibiotics wisely and only when necessary.
It requires healthcare professionals and people who are unwell to work together. Doctors and other prescribers should:
•only prescribe antibiotics when there is clear evidence of infection
•give clear instructions about how to use antibiotics and the risks of misuse
•get a medical history and ask about other drugs
•ask about past and current antibiotic use
Antibiotic overuse can damage an individual’s health, causing immediate complications such as side effects and drug interactions. It is also a public health threat that can increase antibiotic resistance, leading to resistant bacterial infections.
People with infections should seek medical care if they think it might be bacterial. A doctor can best advise on the right course of treatment.
Dec 1, 2022 · By either killing the harmful bacteria or making it difficult for that bacteria to grow and multiply, antibiotics can actually be life-saving in some serious infections. Antibiotics, however, do not work on viral infections like colds or flu , which are not caused by bacteria.
- Michelle Konstantinovsky
- What are antibiotics and when should they be used?Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections. They work by either killing harmful bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria t...
- Are antibiotics effective in treating all types of bacterial infections?No, antibiotics are not effective in treating all types of bacterial infections. For instance, they may not be necessary to treat a sinus infection...
- Is there an issue with overuse of antibiotics in the United States?Yes, research has shown that antibiotics are frequently overused and misused in the United States. A 2016 CDC study found that at least 30 percent...
- What is antibiotic resistance?Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to change and defeat the medications that were designed to destroy them. This can ma...
- How serious is the issue of antibiotic resistance?The issue of antibiotic resistance is very serious. The CDC reports that there are over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections in the U.S....
- What can patients do to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance?Patients can reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance by only using antibiotics if and when they’re prescribed by a certified healthcare provider....
- What questions should I ask my doctor when prescribed antibiotics?When prescribed antibiotics, you should ask your doctor about your diagnosis, the reason for needing antibiotics, potential safer alternatives, the...
- Why is there a tendency to overuse antibiotics?The tendency to overuse antibiotics is partly due to a bad habit that patients and clinicians have gotten used to over time. People often feel more...
Some antibiotics can cause serious adverse reactions that may be life-threatening (for an example, read our article on a new antibiotic ). Antibiotics are the second most common cause of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction with rapid onset that affects the entire body (food allergies are the most common).
Apr 29, 2023 · Can taking too many antibiotics be harmful? The overuse of antibiotics is becoming an increasingly serious problem that can have alarming consequences. While antibiotics are a powerful tool in treating bacterial infections, too much intake can have a detrimental effect on your health.
However, antibiotics do not cure everything, and unnecessary antibiotics can even be harmful. There are 2 main types of germs that cause most infections. These are viruses and bacteria. Viruses cause: Colds and flu. Runny noses. Most coughs and bronchitis. Most sore throats. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses or help you feel better when you have ...
