NARRATOR: The use of antibiotics saved countless lives when they were first introduced in the 1940s. These drugs destroy or stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections, such as pneumonia or strep throat. Antibiotics aren’t magic pills, however, and they have serious side effects. They also can create resistant strains of bacteria that are difficult to treat with current medicines.
The antibiotics we know of today are all derived from plants, fungi, or animals. Many of them, like penicillin and ampicillin, work by interrupting a critical function in the bacterial cell. Others, such as the tetracyclines and erythromycins, disrupt protein synthesis, which prevents the production of new proteins in the bacteria.
When doctors prescribe antibiotics, they must carefully consider the patient’s medical history and the type of infection they have. But some antibiotics can have dangerous side effects, including severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions. For this reason, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you take any new medication, including over-the-counter medications.
Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the rise of resistant bacteria. This overuse is driven by the fact that most physicians don’t adequately evaluate patients when they present to the office or hospital, especially in urgent care settings, where rushed visits often result in unnecessary prescriptions.
You can help reduce the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by following your doctor’s instructions exactly. This includes taking the antibiotics for the full length of time and not stopping them early because you feel better. It’s also a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics, as some of them may interact with certain beverages.