· The most common antibiotic drug classes and medicines are listed in Table 1, along with the most commonly reported antibioticsideeffects (note that lists are not comprehensive). · Antibiotics can help fight infections, but they can also come with a range of sideeffects, including headache and digestive issues. · Understand common antibioticsideeffects—like nausea or resistance—and learn Medanta’s expert advice on safe use and when to seek help.
Understanding the Context
· This article explores common and rare sideeffects of antibiotics, including long term sideeffects and when to consult a doctor. · Taking antibiotics when you do not need them will not help you, and their sideeffects can still cause harm. Talk to a healthcare professional about the best treatment for you when you are sick. Never pressure a healthcare professional to prescribe an antibiotic.
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Key Insights
Antibiotics aren't always the answer when you're sick. · What are the most common side effects of antibiotics? Although antibiotics are highly effective, they often come with side effects. About one in five people on antibiotics will experience some sort of side effect — most commonly stomach pain, nausea, cramping, diarrhea or bloating. Using antibiotics when they’re not needed — like for viral infections or mild bacterial infections that would go away on their own — can lead to unnecessary sideeffects and contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
Important Details
· What are the most common side effects of antibiotics? Although antibiotics are highly effective, they often come with side effects. About one in five people on antibiotics will experience some sort of side effect — most commonly stomach pain, nausea, cramping, diarrhea or bloating. Using antibiotics when they’re not needed — like for viral infections or mild bacterial infections that would go away on their own — can lead to unnecessary sideeffects and contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
Final Thoughts
· Taking antibiotics when you do not need them will not help you, and their sideeffects can still cause harm. Talk to a healthcare professional about the best treatment for you when you are sick. Never pressure a healthcare professional to prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics aren't always the answer when you're sick.
