The Proper Use of Antibiotics

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr_Edilia_Glenski]Dr Edilia Glenski
The word antibiotic means "against life" and these medications are intended to be used to get rid of the bacterial form of life. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
The proper way to ensure that the bacteria is totally eliminated is summarized here:
1. Take your temperature before your first dose of antibiotic. Get a piece of paper or notebook to track the date, time and temperature.
2. Take your temperature again 1 hour and 6 hours after your first dose. Write these down.
3. Take your temperature again 1 hour after each dose and write these readings down (again with date, time and temperature.)
3. If after 24 hours your temperature has not dropped to 97F or below, call us and let your prescribing doctor know. Your antibiotic will need to either be changed or the dosage increased depending on what your temperature has been doing.
4. Be sure that you continue to track your temperature. You will continue on the antibiotic until your temperature comes back up to normal (near 98.6F) even though you are continuing the antibiotic.
5. You may need a refill on the antibiotic if the temperature is still low and you have run out of the prescription.
IMPORTANT: Do not stop taking the antibiotic until the temperature comes back up to normal, even if you feel better. If you stop too soon, all of the bacterial will not have been killed and the infection will return.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS:
Like any other medication there can be side effects. Below are the most common side effects and what to do to relieve them.
1. Stomach upset. This can be caused because the antibiotic is killing off the good bacteria in the digestive tract along with the "bad" bacteria. The solution for this is to put the good bacteria back into your intestines by eating yogurt with live probiotic cultures. Probiotic means "supporting life." Probiotics are also available in liquid, capsule or pill form. These may also go by the name of "acidophilus" or other culture name. Continue to take these for a few weeks after you have finished your antibiotics.
2. Persistent upset stomach, despite taking probiotics, is handled by taking B2 capsules. One capsule with each meal.
3. Sore gums. This is handled by taking 1000 mg Vitamin C twice a day until the symptoms go away.
4. Depression, nightmares, lethargy. This is handled by taking 100 to 500 mg B1 twice a day, depending on severity of symptoms. Stop taking the B1 once the symptoms subside.
5. Avoid dairy products that have hormones (use organic milk and cheese only) and meat or poultry that has been given hormones or antibiotics. These can make the side effects of your medication worse. Eat organically raised animal products or "free range" animal products.
Other recommendations:
Take a good multivitamin and multi-mineral daily, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get enough protein daily and avoid fatty or fried foods.
Following these guidelines will ensure a full recovery from your ailment.
By Edilia Glenski, DMD, FAGD
Edilia Glenski, DMD is owner of Definitive Dental Care. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 1980 and is one of only eight dentists in the state of Florida Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Glenski is also a Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at St. Petersburg College. Definitive Dental Care is located at 2311 Alternate 19 North, #3, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. She can be contacted by phone at (727) 772-8001.
�Edilia Glenski, DMD, AAACD October 24, 2011 http://www.Greatsmilepro.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Proper-Use-of-Antibiotics&id=6647173] The Proper Use of Antibiotics