The exact definition of antibiotics is "A chemical substance that is released by a micro organism and that inhibits the growth of microorganisms of a different species"

The popular definition of antibiotics is any drug used to treat infections. Infections occur when the body's tissues or cells are attacked by foreign organisms.

How do antibiotics work?

There are 2 main ways antibiotics act against the microorganisms.

Some antibiotics work by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall.

Other antibiotics disrupt the protein synthesis or disturb the replication of genetic material in the invading organism.

As viruses do not have these structures, such antibiotics are useless against them.

How best to take antibiotics.

In order to be effective, there must be sufficient antibiotics where the infection is. This amount of antibiotics must be at the site of infection long enough to kill or weaken the microorganisms sufficiently, so that the body's immune system can finish off the work.

Many antibiotics are excreted rapidly by the kidneys.

This means that to keep such antibiotics effective, regular doses should be taken.

"Fairly equal spacing of doses during the day and taking the preparations on an empty stomach is usually the best."

Avoid alcohol if you are taking cephamandole, latamoxef, metronidazole, nimorazole and tinidazole. These inhibit the metabolism of alcohol, causing the toxin acetaldehyde to accumulate in the body.

Finish the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If you stop taking the antibiotics on your own accord when you start feeling better, you might get a relapse.

If you are allergic to any antibiotic, let your doctor know. If you get rashes or any other side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Limitations of antibiotics

Antibiotics may also kill off harmless bacteria in your gut and vagina as well as the harmful bacteria.

This sometimes allows dangerous organisms which are not affected by that antibiotic to flourish. These super infections may need another antibiotic to rectify.

Last but not least, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics. Read How bacteria resist antibiotics for details.