General Knowledge on Antibiotics

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. However, they are not effective for nonbacterial infections such as influenza or other non-infective inflammations.

Common Types of Antibiotics

1. Penicillins (e.g. Amoxicillin, Ampicillin)
2. Tetracyclines (e.g. Tetracycline, Doxycycline)
3. Cephalosporins (e.g. Cephalexin, Cefuroxime)
4. Macrolides (e.g. Erythromycin, Azithromycin)
5. Fluoroquinolones (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)
6. Others (e.g. Metronidazole, Chloramphenicol)
   
   
   

Advice on Medication

• Complete the whole course of antibiotics as instructed.
• Do not use leftover antibiotics.
• Antibiotic suspensions should be shaken well before use.
• Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or hands and breathing difficulty.
• Generally, adverse reactions are mild and transient. If the side effects persist or become worse, stop the medication and consult your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as directed. Do not double the dose.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about medications that you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins.
  
  
  

Side Effects

Common side effects of antibiotics include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and headache.

• Fluoroquinolones: In very rare cases, fluoroquinolones can cause severe side effects affecting the joints, muscles and nervous system. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience serious tendon, muscle or joint pain, tingling or numbness.
• Tetracyclines: Avoid excessive skin exposure to sunlight when taking tetracyclines.
  
  
  

Storage

Store the medications in a cool, dry place and away from direct heat and light. Some antibiotics require storage in a refrigerator; please refer to individual product instructions.

Store the medications out of reach of children.

Infection Control

While taking antibiotic which is necessary to cure your infection, the antibiotic also kills the normal bacteria in your body and predisposes you to acquire more resistant bacteria.

Therefore, you should enhance personal hygiene to protect the health of you and your family:

• Practise frequent hand hygiene
• Eat or drink only thoroughly cooked or boiled items
• Disinfect and cover all wounds
• Wear mask if you have respiratory infection symptoms
• Young children with symptoms of infection should minimize contact with other children
  
  
  

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when germs no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to treat them. It arises mainly due to the unnecessary use of antibiotics or incompletion of antibiotic regimen leading to only partial eradication of bacteria.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat. Thus, it is important to follow instructions given by your doctor.

This information leaflet is for reference only.
Medicines should be used as directed by the doctor and pharmacist.
For enquiry, please contact your doctor, dispensary staff or other healthcare professionals.
Do not share your medicine with others.

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