The most common mistakes when taking antibiotics

Antibiotics are essential to treat many infections, but their effectiveness can be seriously affected if they are not used correctly. Forgetting doses, stopping treatment early or resorting to self-medication They are more common practices than it seems and can have important consequences.

According to Saúl Gómez, from the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges, these errors They not only reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, but also increase the risk of relapses and promote the appearance of resistant bacteria.

The specialist warns that these resistances do not only affect the patient who has taken the antibiotic incorrectly, but can also be transmitted to other people, making the treatment of future infections difficult. Also, remember that each antibiotic has specific indications and guidelines, so it is essential to follow medical recommendations or consult with the pharmacist.

Another of the problems highlighted is self-medication. Taking antibiotics without control, especially in viral diseases like the flu, not only is it useless, but It exposes the body to unnecessary side effects and encourages the appearance of multi-resistant bacteria. It also increases the risk of choosing the wrong drug or the wrong dose, which can lead to complications.

For his part, José María Molero, a member of semFYC, points out that there are symptoms that require antibiotic treatment to be immediately suspended or reassessed, as they may indicate serious problems.

Among the main alarm signals are:

• severe diarrheawith more than six liquid stools a day.
• Persistent high fever during treatment.
• Presence of blood or mucus in the stool.
• abdominal pain strong or increasing.
• Signs of dehydrationsuch as dizziness or decreased urination.
• Deterioration notable general condition, with extreme weakness.
• Symptoms compatible with sepsis, such as tachycardia or altered consciousness.

In any of these situations, experts recommend going to the doctor immediately. A rapid evaluation makes it possible to adjust or suspend treatment in time and avoid major complications.