What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medications designed to treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria. They work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their ability to multiply.
It's important to note that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections such as the flu, colds, and coughs. When used appropriately, antibiotics are powerful tools that can help your body combat specific bacterial diseases and can be life-saving.
You can obtain antibiotics online and offline, but a valid prescription is required. Your immune system can typically eliminate bacteria before they multiply and cause noticeable symptoms. White blood cells actively target harmful bacteria; in many cases, your immune system can independently manage infections. However, when there is a significant bacterial load, antibiotics become necessary to fight the infection.
The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin. Today, penicillin-based antibiotics like ampicillin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin continue to treat various infections.
What Are the Uses of Antibiotics?
While most bacteria in your body are harmless, some can cause infections in various organs. Fortunately, antibiotics are effective in treating certain bacterial infections.
Here are some types of infections that can be treated with antibiotics:
- Dental infections
- Ear and sinus infections (e.g., Otitis Media)
- Respiratory tract infections
- Whooping cough
- Skin infections
- Clostridioides difficile
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Meningitis (inflammation associated to parts like the brain and spinal cord)
- Urinary tract infections
- Strep throat
- Bladder and kidney infections
Why We Need Antibiotics
Antibiotics are particularly effective against bacterial infections such as E. coli, urinary tract infections, and strep throat. However, taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to serious side effects without providing benefits.
You can treat only bacterial infections with the help of antibiotics. Conditions like the common cold, stomach flu, coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis due to viruses and will not respond to antibiotics. In such cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications.
Some antibiotics are classified as broad-spectrum, meaning they work on various types of bacteria, while others are narrow-spectrum, targeting specific bacteria.
Antibiotics are typically taken orally, but doctors may also recommend injections or topical applications for localized infections. Most antibiotics begin to work within a few hours, but it is crucial to complete the entire treatment course to prevent the infection's return.
Patients should continue taking antibiotics even after symptoms improve. Additionally, some antibiotics should not be taken with certain foods and beverages. For maximum effectiveness, some medications must be taken on an empty stomach—typically an hour before meals or two hours after eating.
To ensure the success of your treatment, follow the prescribed instructions carefully and avoid alcohol consumption, particularly when taking metronidazole.
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Antibiotics typically function in one of two ways:
- Bactericidal Antibiotics: Bactericidal antibiotics, such as penicillin, kill the bacteria. These antibiotics disrupt bacterial cell wall formation or interfere with the cell's internal processes.
- Bacteriostatic Antibiotics: Bacteriostatic Antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying, allowing your immune system to eliminate the infection.
Following your doctor's instructions carefully is essential to ensure that antibiotics are effective.
Main Types of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a class of medications primarily used to treat severe bacterial infections, as many infections can resolve on their own. Proper usage of antibiotics is crucial to minimizing antibiotic resistance.
The main types of antibiotics include:
- Penicillins: Amoxicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, and flucloxacillin
- Macrolides: Erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin
- Cephalosporins: Cefaclor, cefalexin, and cefadroxil
- Metronidazole and Tinidazole
- Tetracyclines: Lymecycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline
- Aminoglycosides: Tobramycin and gentamicin
- Quinolones: Ciprofloxacin (Ciplox), norfloxacin, and levofloxacin
- Nitrofurantoin: Often prescribed for urinary tract infections
- Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim: Co-trimoxazole
These are some of the primary types of antibiotics, but additional options are available for treating less common infections, such as tuberculosis (TB).
How to take Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be administered in various ways:
- Orally: Available as oral pills, liquids, or capsules.
- Topically: Applied as sprays, creams, or ointments on the skin, as well as ear drops or eye ointments.
- Injectable: Administered through injections or intravenously (IV), particularly for severe infections.
Moreover, your doctor will tell you when and how to take your antibiotic medicine, whether it should be taken on an empty stomach or after a meal. So, strictly follow your doctor's instructions when using these medicines.
Where to Buy Antibiotics Online
Antibiotic medications are effective and safe when taken according to a doctor's instructions. Proper medication for your treatment can ensure maximum benefits. Nowadays, buying antibiotics online has become both affordable and convenient through reputable online pharmacies.
To buy prescribed antibiotics online at reasonable prices, consider our online pharmacy- Refillonlinepharmacy. We offer various medications at competitive prices, often with significant discounts. Simply add your items to your cart and choose from multiple payment options to complete your purchase.
We also provide 24/7 customer support to assist you at every step of obtaining your medication. Our online pharmacy specialises in top-quality generic drugs that are cost-effective. Leading pharmaceutical companies manufacture all our FDA-approved products.
You can trust us to meet your needs for the best and most genuine healthcare products at low prices.