Antibiotics are incredibly effective at treating a wide variety of bacterial infections. A prescription can typically start to eliminate or improve your symptoms within a day or two.

It is important to remember that while antibiotics are a great tool, they are still a medication and need to be taken carefully. Some medications can react poorly to a round of antibiotics within your body, so making sure you are taking the right prescription for your personal situation is crucial.

Want to learn more about how antibiotics work? Get the details from our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway below.

What Do Antibiotics Do in the Body?

Antibiotics were designed to recognize and kill off illness-causing bacteria within your body. Once taken, they go to work almost immediately! That is why your symptoms can begin to fade away so quickly.

A round of antibiotics usually lasts one or two weeks, and it is important to make sure you take each dose exactly how it is prescribed. This helps ensure that the infection won’t come back.

Common Infections

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Certain STDs
• Ear or sinus infections
• Bacterial pneumonias

Do I Have to Worry About My Medication Affecting My Antibiotic?

Any time you’re taking two medications, there is the potential to experience side effects or even harmful interactions. That is why it is crucial to be clear with your medical team about any medications you are currently taking! For example, blood thinners can react negatively to antibiotics like cephalosporin and can actually increase your chance of uncontrolled bleeding if you get hurt.

Another common issue is the interaction between antibiotics and birth control pills. Some antibiotics will make the pill less effective while you are finishing your prescription. You would need to be extra cautious during this time and use a backup form of birth control.

Possible Antibiotic Interactions

• Alcohol
• Contraceptive pills
• Antacids
• Blood thinner medications
• Any medication not cleared by your medical provider

Antibiotics are a great resource, but only when they are used in a responsible way. Come see us for an evaluation at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway!