The Truth About Antibiotics

With a rise in ‘superbugs’ and antibiotic resistance, we talk to experts about when you should – and shouldn’t – take them

- Julia Shaw

Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but did you know that each year in the US, two-million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria? here’s why it’s so important to finish that course you’ve been prescribed, and why you shouldn’t insist on antibiotics if you just have the flu...

KNOW YOUR DRUGS

Of the hundreds of different antibiotics, these are the ones most likely to be prescribed:

PENICILLINS such as amoxicillin, one of the most prescribed antibiotics in SA (Amoxil; Augmentin). Treat everything from skin and urinary tract infections to chest infections. Can reduce effectiveness of contraceptives.

MACROLIDES such as erythromycin and the newer-generation clarithromycin (ClariHexal; Klacid) and azithromycin (Zithromax). Useful for treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections, or as an alternative for people with a penicillin allergy, or to treat penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria. Use with caution if on statins. Studies show that resistance to this class of antibiotics develops rapidly, so only to be used short term.

TETRACYCLiNES such as tetracycline (Tetralysal) and doxycycline (Doxitab), which is used for malaria prophylaxis. Broad-spectrum, but these days mostly used for acne. Avoid if you’re pregnant; causes photo- and gastric sensitivity.

CEPHALOSPORINS such as cefazolin (Kefzol). Broadspectrum; also effective for serious infections, like septicaemia (blood poisoning) and endocarditis (a life-threatening infection of the lining of the heart). Avoid if pregnant; can cause contraception to fail.