Side effects of antibiotics are often discussed in forums, but most people do not realize that the main danger of self-treatment with antibiotics is not side effects at all, but the formation of bacteria resistance to even strong drugs if the dose was chosen incorrectly or the duration was incorrectly calculated. When self-medicating, you endanger not only yourself, but also those around you. A side effect is just a nuisance, which in most cases is not very serious. Different undesirable effects are associated with different types of antibiotics.
The current classification of antibiotics includes beta-lactam preparations (these are penicillins and cephalosporins), macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides.
Penicillins are the oldest of antibiotics. They are used to treat infections of the urinary tract, intestinal tract, ear, infections in the oral cavity and respiratory infections, gonorrhea. Natural penicillins successfully disrupt the vital activity of gram-positive bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus, and also act against such a formidable pathogen as meningococcus (it is gram-negative).
However, bacteria learned how to make an enzyme called penicillinase, which destroys penicillins. However, some of them, sustainable, still help people. Aminopenicillins have an even wider spectrum of action (ampicillin and amoxicillin). Side effects of penicillin antibiotics are less pronounced compared to other species. Most often, diarrhea is observed. Other symptoms of gastrointestinal upset are also possible - nausea with vomiting and not very pronounced abdominal pain. Allergic reactions, fever, rash, anaphylactic shock are very rare . During pregnancy, penicillins can be prescribed if their benefits will be more harm. They are the drugs of choice during pregnancy, because some other antibiotics cannot be used at this stage in a woman’s life.
According to the mechanism of action, cephalosporins (cefazolin, cefpirome) are similar to penicillins, but they affect other classes of bacteria, although there are intersections. For example, cephalosporins treat gonorrhea and ear infections. They also help very well with bacterial pneumonia, streptococcal throat damage, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and bacteria that damage the urinary system. This group includes very different drugs, they are even classified into 4 generations, each new generation has a wider spectrum (that is, they are effective against more infections).
Most often, the side effects of cephalosporin antibiotics are the same as for penicillins: gastrointestinal disorders and pain. However, allergic reactions are more common. In addition, an allergy to cephalosporins is observed in 5-10% of allergic persons to penicillin, which limits the possibility of using this medication. They are sometimes used during pregnancy.
Fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin, ofloxacin) are perfectly absorbed, so they are often prescribed in tablets. These are the newest of antibiotics. Their spectrum is wide: skin, urinary tract, and respiratory infections. They prevent bacteria from multiplying, inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA.
Side effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, in addition to intestinal disorders, also include disorders of the nervous system (headache, drowsiness, confusion). They can be dangerous for an unborn baby, therefore they are used only in case of a disease threatening the mother’s life.
Tetracyclines (doxycycline, tetracycline) contain 4 rings. They prevent bacteria from synthesizing protein. Among others, the ability of tetracyclines to kill amoebas stands out, which helps with dysentery. They treat typhoid, Lyme disease, gonorrhea.
Side effects of antibiotics of this group are extensive - increasing photosensitivity of the skin, sores in the mouth and tongue, burning, diarrhea. These drugs can affect the kidneys if their shelf life has expired. During pregnancy, they are not prescribed, because the child has abnormalities in the development of bones.
Macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin) bind to ribosomes, disrupting the synthesis of bacterial protein. They are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, and therefore are very good for the treatment of respiratory infections.
The most serious side effect of macrolide antibiotics is temporary hearing loss. They can also cause irritation of the oral mucosa. Or phlebitis if the drug is administered intravenously. With caution, they are prescribed to people with a sick liver. When pregnancy is used only as a last resort.
Aminoglycosides (neomycin, gentamicin) are used to kill gram-negative bacteria. They are very unstable, so they are administered intravenously.
Side effect - they can damage the hearing organs and the vestibular apparatus, in addition, they are very dangerous for the kidneys. Therefore, these drugs are used only for a short time, often together with penicillins. During pregnancy are not prescribed.
So, side effects are very serious. Therefore, let the doctor decide on the choice of antibiotic, dose and duration.