Antibiotics: Infection List, Side Effects, Prescription Info - Verywell Health
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Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. They work to clear up infections either by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. They typically have to be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Learn more about using antibiotics, including when and how to take them safely.
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Antibiotics Drug Information
Antibiotics came into broader use in the 1940s, after British scientist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin (the first antibiotic) in mold. Before Fleming started experimenting with penicillin, many people died of common bacterial infections.
Today, antibiotics are safe and effective for most people to use. They are usually prescribed to treat common bacterial infections, such as strep throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Types and Forms
Antibiotics are divided into several classes based on how they work and what kinds of conditions they treat. The classes of antibiotics include:
- Penicillins, such as penicillin and Moxatag (amoxicillin)
- Cephalosporins, such as Keflex (cephalexin)
- Beta-lactams with increased activity, such as Augmentin (amoxicillin with clavulanate)
- Lincosamides, such as Cleocin (clindamycin)
- Macrolides, such as Zithromax (azithromycin) and Erythrocin (erythromycin)
- Fluoroquinolones, such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, brand names include Bactrim and Septra
- Urinary anti-infectives, such as Furadantin (nitrofurantoin)
- Tetracyclines, such as Sumycin (tetracycline) and Vibramycin (doxycycline)
Antibiotics can be taken in several different ways, including:
- Topically (through ointments, drops, creams, or sprays)
- Orally (through capsules, liquids, or tablets)
- Injection
- Intravenously (through an intravenous line)
Usually, injectable and IV antibiotics are used for more serious infections that have started to spread.
When Are Antibiotics Prescribed?
It's not necessary to take antibiotics any time you have an illness. Antibiotics are most effective in treating certain bacterial infections, such as:
- Urinary tract infections: Bacterial infections of the bladder and kidney
- Strep throat: A bacterial infection of the throat by Group A Streptococcus pyogenes
- Whooping cough: An infection by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that can be prevented by vaccine
- Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis
- Some cases of pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that may be bacterial, including by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
- Sepsis: A whole-body reaction to a bloodstream infection
Some infections may be caused either by bacteria or by a virus. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotics (or not) accordingly. They may also prescribe antibiotics if your infection seems to be getting worse or spreading.
Antibiotics Can't Treat Viral Infections
It may be tempting to take antibiotics whenever you're sick. But antibiotics won't treat conditions caused by viruses, such as:
- Sore throats, except strep throat
- Influenza (the flu)
- Colds
- Congestion and runny noses
- Cough
- Most cases of bronchitis (inflammation of the large airways)
Viral infections often clear up without medical intervention, or they require antiviral medications or other forms of treatment. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what treatment will be appropriate and effective for your infection.
Also, antibiotics only work to fight certain bacterial infections. They aren't effective in treating all conditions caused by bacteria, including some ear infections and most sinus infections.
The Problem With Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic-resistant infections may occur when antibiotics aren't able to kill off certain bacteria. Antibiotic resistance can cause serious health complications, such as organ failure. In some cases, it may even be fatal. There are over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections in the U.S. each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths.
You may be more likely to develop an antibiotic-resistant infection if you take antibiotics too often or unnecessarily. Only take antibiotics when you need them. Always finish taking your full course as prescribed (don't stop when you feel better, continue the number of days on the prescription).
Taking Antibiotics Safely
While antibiotics are safe and effective for most people, they may sometimes cause side effects. Here are some ways to ensure that you're taking antibiotics safely:
- Take your antibiotics for exactly how long and at the exact dose that your healthcare provider prescribes.
- Don't take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else.
- Don't skip a dose or save your leftover antibiotics for later.
- Don't give anyone else antibiotics that were prescribed for you.
- Tell your healthcare provider right away if your symptoms get worse.
Allergy Symptoms
Some people develop allergy symptoms after taking antibiotics. Allergic reactions to penicillins are particularly common—an estimated 5% to 15% of people have a penicillin allergy.
You may be experiencing an allergic reaction to an antibiotic if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Wheezing
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, stop taking the antibiotic right away and tell your healthcare provider.
Severe Allergic Reaction
If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) after taking antibiotics, such as difficulty breathing or swollen tongue or throat, dizziness or fainting, seek immediate medical help.
Other Side Effects
Outside of allergy symptoms, other common side effects of antibiotics may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Black or hairy tongue
- Yeast infections
In rare cases, antibiotics may cause more serious side effects, including:
- Worsening signs of infection, such as fever
- Joint pain
- Severe diarrhea
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, which cause severe diarrhea that can be life-threatening
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Antibiotics During Pregnancy
Most antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy. However, some antibiotics—such as fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines—should be avoided if you're currently pregnant. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or might be pregnant before you start taking an antibiotic.
Drugstore Options
Most of the time, antibiotics need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, some over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotic treatments are available at pharmacies and drugstores.
Neosporin (neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin topical) is an OTC antibiotic ointment used to prevent wounds, cuts, and scrapes from getting infected.
In some cases, Neosporin can cause an allergic skin reaction. Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
Neosporin is only effective in treating minor skin injuries. Talk to your healthcare provider instead if you have a burn, deep wound, animal bite, or another more serious injury.
Summary
Antibiotics are medicines that treat certain bacterial infections, either by killing bacteria or by preventing their growth. Examples of common antibiotics include penicillin, azithromycin, clindamycin, and cephalexin.
Some of the conditions treated by antibiotics include strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and some types of pneumonia and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Antibiotics can't treat infections caused by viruses, including colds, flu, and runny noses.
It's important to take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you take antibiotics too often, you can develop antibiotic-resistant infections.
Common side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, yeast infections, and black or hairy tongue. If you develop allergy symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking antibiotics, seek medical help right away.
A Word From Verywell
If you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help you feel better and avoid potentially life-threatening complications. However, it's important to take antibiotics only when you need them and exactly as prescribed.
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