[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/how-to-reduce-side-effects-of-antibiotics\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/how-to-reduce-side-effects-of-antibiotics\/","headline":"How to Reduce the Side Effects of Antibiotics","name":"How to Reduce the Side Effects of Antibiotics","description":"Antibiotics can kill the bacteria responsible for many kinds of infections but come with many side effects. Learn how to reduce them and get healthy fast.","datePublished":"2016-01-08","dateModified":"2022-12-07","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pills.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/pills.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/how-to-reduce-side-effects-of-antibiotics\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":434,"keywords":["antibiotics","bacteria","diarrhea","infection","probiotic","side effects"],"articleBody":"Antibiotics are a type of medication that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria responsible for many kinds of infections.Since the first antibiotic \u2014penicillin \u2014 was discovered in the late 1920s, hundreds of these types of drugs have become available.While they can undoubtedly cure illnesses and save lives, antibiotics aren’t without problems of their own. Their overuse has led to the rise of dangerous drug-resistant bacteria that no longer respond to treatment. Even appropriately prescribed antibiotics have the potential to cause unpleasant symptoms.Fortunately, there are steps you can take when prescribed antibiotics that may help reduce your risk of side effects. Give bacteria the boot and prevent further problems with these antibiotic tips.Tips to Reduce Antibiotic Side EffectsThe following tips can help reduce side effects from antibiotics.Take antibiotics as directedSome antibiotics should be taken only with water. But many others need to be taken with food, which can increase their absorption and ward off an upset stomach \u2014 a common side effect of antibiotics. Follow your provider’s instructions or read the label to see how you should take an antibiotic.Take all of the antibiotic prescriptionYou should finish the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms clear up. If you stop taking the medication mid-course, the infection could linger and the bacteria may become resistant. This could set you up for more problems.Abstain from alcoholAntibiotics and alcohol can cause similar side effects. These effects can become compounded when you take them together. Some medications, such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) can trigger more severe reactions when taken with alcohol. These include:Flushing.Headaches.Nausea and vomiting.Increased heart rate.Take a probioticMany antibiotics can cause soft stools or diarrhea. That’s because they may kill some \u201cgood” bugs along with the bad, throwing off the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut.Research has shown that people who take probiotics are 42% less likely to develop diarrhea than those who don’t take these beneficial bacteria. Although more studies are needed, it can’t hurt and might help to take a probiotic supplement. Eating probiotic foods like yogurt and sauerkraut also could help.Talk to your doctorContact your physician if you develop more serious side effects of antibiotics, including:Severe watery diarrhea.Vomiting.White patches on your tongue.Vaginal itching or discharge.Allergic reactions, such as a rash, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lips or tongue.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 8, 2016, and was last reviewed on December 7, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Reduce the Side Effects of Antibiotics","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/how-to-reduce-side-effects-of-antibiotics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]