Antibiotics are considered to be effective in treatment for many infectious diseases. However, under certain circumstances, use of antibiotics can cause harm to health and even make you sick. It is easy to understand when you need antibiotics and when other drugs.
Can antibiotics make you sick? Yes if:
- you have an infection caused by a virus (including influenza or bronchitis);
- you are not sick (except rare cases when antibiotics are used for prophylaxis);
- you do not have an infectious disease (for example, anemia).
Can antibiotics make you sick, tired, cold?
Antibiotics should not be used in treatment of common cold. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics can make you feel worse. Also, antibiotics may cause side effects, such as nasopharyngitis or increased body temperature.
Can antibiotics make you sick if you don’t need them?
To avoid health problems, never take antibiotics if you do not need them. Do not use them if you have common viral diseases such as flu or cough. The use of antibiotics may cause side effects such as allergic reactions, renal diseases, rash, or dizziness.
Can antibiotics make you sick while pregnant?
Pregnant women take antibiotics for treatment of certain infections, which may appear during pregnancy. It may be urinary tract infections, pre-term rupture of membranes or infections of the beta streptococcus group.
Some Cephalosporins, for example Cefotetan, when used while pregnant, may cause severe immune hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, the use of first generation Cephalosporins (including Cefadroxil) may cause icterus. Other Cephalosporins may be useful when pregnant, but only in case of severe bacterial sepsis.
Such antibiotic as Erythromycin is not recommended to be used when pregnant. Its use can result in liver diseases in newborns, and premature rupture of membranes – in mothers.
Can antibiotics make you sick or nauseated?
Too frequent use of antibiotics may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. These side effects can lead to serious illness such as vaginal thrush in women.
If you take antibiotics, you should be always aware that they can do harm only in case of improper use or if used when not needed. You should comply with recommendations on antibiotics use to avoid many side effects.