How University Health Center Providers Prescribe Antibiotics
The way clinicians prescribe antibiotics can be confusing. Why do they prescribe them at some times but not at others, and for one patient but not the next?
Antibiotics have been extremely effective and often lifesaving in the treatment of some infectious diseases, but they don't cure all illnesses and can sometimes even cause significant medical problems. Therefore, it is important that antibiotics are taken properly.
Health care providers have seen unfortunate complications of inappropriate antibiotic use and, as a result, avoid using these potent medications if not needed. Antibiotics are prescribed when appropriate but are not used when dealing with a viral infection where the medication will not help and has the potential for significant harm. While it is tempting for individuals to look for a quick and easy cure when ill, more often than not, antibiotics are not the answer.
If you have visited the University Health Center for medical care but continue to feel ill or develop additional symptoms, please contact us at 402.472.5000 for follow-up.
Antibiotics Fight Bacterial (Not Viral) Infections
Antibiotics typically are effective against bacteria but not against viruses. Therefore, antibiotics do not help in viral illnesses such as mononeucleosis, flu and colds. Studies have shown that the vast majority of infectious diseases in college-age patients are viral rather than bacterial infections. Even bronchitis is most commonly viral in this age group. Although researchers are attempting to develop new categories of drugs to combat viral diseases, few drugs are currently available.
Health care providers use clinical history, examination and laboratory tests to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. Providers may use cultures from the throat, sputum, urine, blood or wound to identify the bacteria along with its antibiotic sensitivity. This information helps them choose an antibiotic that will be effective.
Complications of Antibiotic Use
Allergic reactions: You can develop an allergy at any time, even if you have safely used the antibiotic in the past. Prior use is not a guarantee that a person will not develop an allergic response. Most allergic reactions to antibiotics are relatively minor skin reactions. However, occasionally life-threatening allergic reactions occur, with swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop taking the medication and contact your health care provider.
Impact on body balance: Antibiotics cannot distinguish between normal body bacteria and disease-causing bacteria. The result is often a disturbance in the natural balance of organisms, which may lead to severe diarrhea or, more commonly, yeast vaginitis in women. Other complications may arise from the side effects of certain antibiotics, such as severe gastrointestinal upset, sun sensitivity and interactions with other medications.
Bacterial resistance: Many people mistakenly believe that people can “get used to” an antibiotic. This is not the case, but bacteria can develop resistance to an antibiotic. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance is evident. Some bacteria are resistant to all known antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern in the US, as well as in certain developing countries where antibiotics are available without prescription. In countries where antibiotic use is limited, bacteria have become more sensitive to antibiotics.
Tips for Using Antibiotics
- Take your antibiotic as instructed by your health care provider or pharmacist
- Take an antibiotic until all the medication is gone
- Take an antibiotic only for the condition for which it is prescribed
- Certain antibiotics may interact with food or other medications or may make you more sensitive to sunlight or cause dizziness. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist if you are unsure about such interactions
- Alert your health care provider or pharmacist to any new medical conditions that arise during your antibiotic therapy
- Never share antibiotics with friends or family
- Do not take expired antibiotics
More Information
- Nurse advice by phone is available day and night, which may save a trip; call 402.472.5000
- Need to be seen by a health care provider? Learn more about how to make an appointment at the University Health Center
- The health center pharmacy can provide information about antibiotics or other medicines; call 402.472.7457
- See also the US Food and Drug Administration
Adapted with permission from the University Health Service at the University of Michigan.