Antimicrobial agents are a powerful weapon
in our fight against bacterial infections. However, like any drug, antibacterial drugs may also bring some adverse reactions while playing a therapeutic role. Understanding these common adverse reactions and the corresponding treatment methods is very important to ensure the safety of our medication. 1. Gastrointestinal reactions are one of the more common adverse reactions of antibiotics. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The reason may be that antibiotics directly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa or affect the balance of normal intestinal flora. How to deal with it: If the symptoms are mild, it can be alleviated by adjusting the diet, such as eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy and stimulating food. If the symptoms are severe, antiemetics (such as domperidone) or antidiarrheals (such as montmorillonite) may be used under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, doctors may consider adjusting the type or dosage of antibacterial drugs. 2. Allergic reactions can be manifested as rash, itching, erythema, angioneurotic edema, and even anaphylactic shock in severe cases. The occurrence of allergic reactions is related to the individual’s allergic constitution. Treatment: Once allergic symptoms occur, suspected antibiotics should be stopped immediately and medical treatment should be sought in time. For mild allergy symptoms, such as rash and itching, doctors usually give antihistamines, such as loratadine, for treatment. For severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, immediate first aid treatment is required, including injection of epinephrine, maintenance of respiratory tract patency, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, etc. 3. Liver injury Some antibacterial drugs may lead to abnormal liver function, such as jaundice, elevated liver enzyme, right upper abdominal pain, etc. Treatment: Liver function tests should be performed regularly during the use of antibiotics. If abnormal liver function is found, the doctor will decide whether to stop the drug according to the specific situation, and may give hepatoprotective drugs (such as glutathione) treatment. 4. Some antibiotics may cause damage to the kidney, such as proteinuria, hematuria and elevated serum creatinine. Treatment: Monitor renal function during medication and drink plenty of water to promote drug excretion. If kidney injury occurs, the doctor may adjust the medication regimen and perform renal replacement therapy if necessary. 5. Nervous system reactions Some antibiotics may affect the nervous system, leading to headache, dizziness, insomnia, convulsions, peripheral neuritis, etc. Treatment: When the symptoms are mild, observe first and pay attention to rest. If the symptoms are severe, the drug should be stopped and the doctor may give symptomatic treatment, such as the use of painkillers or neurotrophic drugs. 6. Some antibiotics with abnormal blood system may lead to leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and other blood system problems. Treatment: Regular blood routine examination, if found abnormal, the doctor will adjust the drug or corresponding treatment according to the situation, such as the use of leukocyte-increasing drugs, platelet transfusion, etc. 7. Double infection Long-term or extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may inhibit or kill normal sensitive bacteria in the body, resulting in a large number of non-sensitive bacteria or fungi, causing double infection, such as oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous enteritis, etc. Treatment: In case of superinfection, the original antibiotics should be stopped in time, and targeted drugs should be selected for treatment according to the pathogens of infection. It should be noted that during the use of antibiotics, if any discomfort symptoms occur, the doctor should be informed in time so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken. At the same time, when prescribing antibiotics, doctors will fully consider the patient’s age, underlying disease, allergic history and other factors, try to choose drugs with higher safety, and adjust the dosage and course of treatment reasonably to reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. In a word, antibacterial drugs play an important role in the treatment of diseases, but we should also be alert to their possible adverse reactions. By understanding the common adverse reactions and treatment methods, and strengthening communication and cooperation with doctors, we can use antibiotics more safely and effectively, and promote the rehabilitation of the disease.
