by David Moll

Created on: March 01, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

This article will discuss side effects and drug interactions with antibiotics.

As a pharmacist, I work with antibiotic prescriptions every day. I am also very surprised what I see and hear when it comes to knowledge from both doctors and patients about what antibiotics are and what they can or cant do. The spectrum of antibiotics vary, from penicillin that is very narrow, to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) that is much more broad (Levaquin tends to be most powerful as an antibiotic prescribed for outpatient use, and is in the same class as Cipro).

Side effects include diarrhea (due to ridding of normal flora), nausea (due to same or the nature of the antibiotic itself), or taste disturbance (due to unique properties of that antibiotic that causes it). Often times, antibiotic choice will be determined by tolerable or livable side effects that can be expected.

Some antibiotics have food interactions, others do not. Often times, in my experience, patients are not made aware of these interactions until they get to my pharmacy. So I spend time educating them why these food interactions are important. On the drugs mentioned above, Levaquin and Cipro, these agents belong to a class known as quinolones. Quinolones tend to be less absorbed when dairy, calcium, antacids, green leafy vegetables, or vitamins with minerals are consumed within 2 hours of the dose.

Another drug interaction happens with metronidazole and alcohol. This combination causes a violent vomiting reaction that no one would ever want to experience. Even the slightest alcohol level can be problematic with this agent. I find that most prescribers warn about this interaction when choosing this agent.

Other antibiotics interact with other drugs like birth control pills. This interaction cause the pill to be less effective for birth control. So precautions, like extra protection must be sought to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Do not take antibiotic use lightly. It is recommended not to demand them if your doctor thinks they aren't needed. Sometimes infections may be viral and antibiotics are just wasteful if used. Be wary of tell-tale signs to attempt to differentiate virus vs. bacteria - with fever, chills, and night sweats present, its a pretty good bet that bacteria are present and antibiotics then are necessary.

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