Health

You know what they are and what they are antibiotics?

05/10/2016

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The nurse specialist in emergency and ICU, Mel Espinheira, explains about the role of antibiotics in the body and presents some myths and truths about the subject.

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Antibiotics (or antimicrobial) are substances of natural origin, synthetic and / or semi-synthetic presenting ability to neutralize or inhibit the growth microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. In 1928, the Scottish doctor Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, revolutionizing the treatment scenario of Medicine infections at the time. Statistics from the US Department of Health show that in the 15 years after the entry of antibiotics in medicine, were avoided 1.5 million early deaths of Americans. In São Paulo, the Emilio Ribas Hospital, deaths from typhoid reduced from 14% to 0.7% in the same period. In 1940, Fleming won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery and application of antibiotic.

The antibiotic mechanism of action varies according to the class in which each one is inserted. As for the pharmacological properties, the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are relevant to a better understanding of the antimicrobial mechanism of action. Pharmacokinetics studies the performance of the antimicrobial in the body, from the absorption rate parameters, distribution and elimination and its products, and its important knowledge for proper adjustment of dosage, route of administration, time interval between doses and thus minimize the likelihood of triggering potential toxic effects. Already pharmacodynamics lists the concentrations of the drug with its antimicrobial activity. In this category, antimicrobials can be classified into time-dependent (have action governed by the time exposure of pathogens to serum concentrations of the organism) and concentration-dependent (feature properties destruction of microorganisms depending on concentration).

Given these particularities in the antimicrobial mechanism of action, there is great concern of regulators health agencies for the development of bacterial resistance. The rational use of antibiotics is one of the goals set by the World Health Organization for the twenty-first century.

 Antimicrobials represent a class of drugs often used by the population. But are the only pharmacological agents whose use affects not only the individual, but also the hospital environment and can change the bacterial flora of the place. Improper handling of these drugs, such as suspension and overuse, is not only associated with the selection of resistant strains of micro-organisms but also to adverse events, the increase in costs by the prolonged drug therapy and increased morbidity and mortality.

The choice of antibiotic is directly related to the generator pathogen infection. Initially, the doctor may choose to institute antibiotics empirically until culture results of organic material (blood, urine, tracheal aspirates, etc.) to prescribe the appropriate drug. It is worth mentioning the importance of properly follow the guidelines and prescription for the infection is cured, minimizing the risk of relapse and hence the development of resistance of microorganisms to drugs used.

The use of antimicrobials is indicated for infectious processes generated by bacteria. Infections caused by other microorganisms such as fungi, viruses and parasites to be treated with drugs intended for this purpose. Doctors and dentists are the professionals qualified to prescribe and adjust the choice of such drugs.

Myths and truths about the use of antimicrobials:

• In case of clinical worsening, increasing the dose of the antimicrobial = MYTH

(Always respect the guidelines and prescription)

• When presenting symptom improvement, discontinue use of antimicrobial = MYTH

(Always respect the guidelines and prescription)

• Antimicrobials stain teeth = TRUTH

(The example of tetracycline, the use of some antibiotics can cause blackening of the teeth)

• Respect the dosage of antibiotic = TRUTH

(Ensures the necessary concentration of the drug in the body)

• Reserve the remaining tablets of the antibiotic to when reinfection = MYTH

(Each infectious condition should be evaluated by a doctor, so that it guides the appropriate medicine for use)

• Antibiotics cure colds = MYTH

(The doctor should be consulted for a better evaluation of the clinical picture)

Source: iSaúde

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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.