Alcohol and milk in antibiotic therapy taboo?

Important tips for taking antibiotics

Health experts repeatedly criticize that antibiotics are prescribed too often and often only on suspicion. However, in some diseases, the use of such drugs is of enormous importance for recovery. However, in such cases, some tips should be followed by experts.

Responsible use of antibiotics

Although the number of antibiotic resistances continues to rise and is repeatedly called upon not to use such drugs in large numbers, medics in Germany prescribe antibiotics according to a study, often only on suspicion. In addition, such funds are used against diseases for which they are completely ineffective. In the treatment of some diseases, however, these drugs play a significant role. However, there are some things to consider when taking antibiotics.

Those who need to take antibiotics should definitely follow some tips from health professionals. If misused, the drugs can harm the body. (Image: Henrik Dolle / fotolia.com)

Rules for taking have changed

As the University Hospital Freiburg writes in a communication, the antibacterial effect of penicillin was discovered about 90 years ago.

Since this discovery, some of the most common fatal diseases have been curable: wound sepsis, pneumonia, nephritis, valvular inflammation.

Antibiotics are nowadays indispensable in medicine. However, the rules for taking have changed significantly.

Often a few days of treatment can be enough

In the past, even with minor infections, it was suggested that the antibiotic should be taken for at least a week or the entire pack to be safe.

"We have said goodbye to this dogma," said Professor Dr. Winfried Kern, Head of the Infectiology Department of the Department of Internal Medicine II at the University Hospital of Freiburg.

The duration of treatment today rather depends on the bacterial pathogen, the drug and the condition of the patient.

"In some cases, such as uncomplicated urinary tract infection, one to three days of treatment may be enough. In other cases, especially chronic inflammation, long-term therapy is still advised, "says the infectiologist.

The fact that antibiotics do not have to be taken so long in different infections had also been shown in scientific studies.

Duration of intake must be adjusted to the pathogen

As further explained in the communication of the Freiburg University Hospital, antibiotics should never be taken without medical advice. The medication should always be prescribed and accompanied by a physician.

Because duration and type of the active ingredient must always be exactly matched to the pathogen. Incorrect antibiotics can put a heavy strain on the human body.

In particular, the administration of antibiotics in childhood can have health consequences, warn experts. Children should receive such preparations only in an emergency.

Treat yourself to antibiotics and milk?

According to the Freiburg University Medical Center, women who use contraceptive pills should ask their doctor if there may be any interaction with the medicine in this case. Some drugs may reduce the effect of the pill.

In addition, it is known that there may be interactions of food and medicines. In this context, the question arises again and again whether one may actually consume milk during the antibiotic intake.

In the message of the clinic it is said that the calcium of milk makes some antibiotics ineffective. For which drug that applies, the doctor knows.

Avoid strong physical exertion

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided during therapy. Alcohol weakens the body and prevents some medications from acting.

Sport should keep patients who take antibiotics. Because those who take such medication should, according to the experts due to his then not sufficiently cured infection strong physical effort.

The body needs strength for the fight against the pathogens. Otherwise, it may happen that the infection expands. (Ad)