Antibiotics are powerful medicines specifically designed to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or preventing their growth and reproduction. Unlike other medications such as antivirals or antifungals, antibiotics target bacterial cell walls, proteins, or DNA to eliminate harmful bacteria from your body. They work through various mechanisms, including disrupting bacterial cell wall formation, inhibiting protein synthesis, or interfering with bacterial DNA replication.
Healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics when you have confirmed or suspected bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or skin infections. It's crucial to understand that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Proper antibiotic use involves taking the complete prescribed course, even if you feel better, and never sharing antibiotics with others or saving leftover tablets for future use.
Penicillins, including amoxicillin and flucloxacillin, are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in Australia. These medicines are particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria and are frequently used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and dental abscesses.
Cephalexin and cefaclor belong to this broad-spectrum antibiotic family. They're often prescribed for urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and respiratory infections when penicillins aren't suitable.
This group includes erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. Macrolides are excellent alternatives for patients allergic to penicillin and are commonly used for:
Doxycycline and minocycline are versatile antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those causing acne, tick-borne diseases, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin are powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics typically reserved for more serious infections. Sulfonamide combinations with trimethoprim are commonly used for urinary tract infections and certain respiratory conditions.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections affecting different parts of the body. Understanding which conditions require antibiotic treatment helps ensure appropriate use of these important medicines.
These include bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. Amoxicillin and doxycycline are commonly prescribed for these conditions, with stronger antibiotics like clarithromycin used for more severe cases.
In Australia, all antibiotics are classified as prescription-only medicines (POM), meaning they can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a registered healthcare provider such as a doctor or dentist.
Your GP, specialist, or other qualified healthcare professional will assess your condition, determine if antibiotics are necessary, and prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the type and severity of your infection.
Many antibiotics are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them more affordable for Australian patients. Both generic and brand name antibiotics are available, with generic options often providing significant cost savings whilst maintaining the same therapeutic effectiveness. Your pharmacist can provide valuable consultation about your antibiotic treatment, including proper dosing, potential side effects, and drug interactions. In limited circumstances, emergency supply provisions may allow pharmacists to provide certain antibiotics without a prescription for continuing treatment.
Always finish your prescribed antibiotic course, even if you feel better before the medication is finished. Stopping early can lead to incomplete treatment and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. If you experience severe side effects, consult your pharmacist or doctor rather than simply discontinuing the medication.
Take antibiotics at evenly spaced intervals as directed by your healthcare provider. This maintains consistent levels of the medication in your body for optimal effectiveness. Set reminders if necessary to ensure you don't miss doses.
Some antibiotics should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation, whilst others work best on an empty stomach. Always check with your pharmacist about potential interactions with other medications, supplements, or specific foods that might affect absorption or effectiveness.
Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach upset. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe skin reactions. Special care is needed for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and elderly patients who may require adjusted dosages or alternative medications.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to survive exposure to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. This serious global health concern affects Australia significantly, with certain resistant bacteria becoming increasingly common in Australian hospitals and communities.
Australia follows strict antibiotic stewardship guidelines to combat resistance. This includes using antibiotics only when prescribed by healthcare professionals and choosing the most appropriate antibiotic for specific infections.
Everyone plays a role in preventing antibiotic resistance:
Remember that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Your healthcare provider will determine when antibiotics are truly necessary for bacterial infections.