Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Most of the side effects associated with antibiotics are not life-threatening. In some cases, however, antibiotics can cause severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis.<br /><br />According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse reactions to antibiotics are responsible for 1 in 5 medication-related emergency room visits.<br /><br />People should always talk with a doctor if antibiotics cause bothersome symptoms.<br /><br />Call 911 and immediately stop taking antibiotics if side effects are severe or interfere with breathing.<br /><br />Common side effects of antibiotics<br /><br />People take antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. However, antibiotics may cause adverse side effects in some people.<br /><br />Side effects may include:<br /><br />1. Digestive problems<br /><br /> Share on PinterestSerious side effects of antibiotics are rare.<br /><br />Issues with digestion are one of the most commonly reported side effects of taking antibiotics.<br /><br />Symptoms of digestion problems include:<br /><br />nausea<br /><br />indigestion<br /><br />vomiting<br /><br />diarrhea<br /><br />bloating<br /><br />feeling of fullness<br /><br />loss of appetite<br /><br />stomach cramping or pain<br /><br />Most digestive problems go away once someone stops take an antibiotic.<br /><br />Anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should stop taking the antibiotics and talk with a doctor.<br /><br />Severe symptoms include:<br /><br />blood or mucus in stool<br /><br />severe diarrhea<br /><br />intense stomach cramping or pain<br /><br />fever<br /><br />uncontrollable vomiting<br /><br />To decrease the risk of developing digestive issues, be sure to read the instructions that come with the medication.<br /><br />2. Fungal infections<br /><br />Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria. However, they sometimes kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections.<br /><br />As a result, many people taking antibiotics develop fungal infections in the:<br /><br />vagina<br /><br />mouth<br /><br />throat<br /><br />People taking antibiotics or who have taken them and think they may have a fungal infection should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.<br /><br />Antifungal medications treat fungal infections in most cases.<br /><br />Symptoms of common fungal infections include:<br /><br />vaginal itchiness, swelling, and soreness<br /><br />pain and a burning sensation during intercourse and when peeing<br /><br />abnormal vaginal discharge, usually white-to-grey and lumpy<br /><br />fever and chills<br /><br />a white, thick coating in the mouth and throat<br /><br />pain while eating or swallowing<br /><br />white patches on the throat, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue<br /><br />loss of taste<br /><br />a cottony feeling in the mouth<br /><br />3. Drug interactions<br /><br />Some common medications interact with certain antibiotics. These include:<br /><br />blood thinners<br /><br />birth control medications (may only occur with rifamycins)<br /><br />antacids<br /><br />antihistamines<br /><br />multivitamins and some supplements, especially those high in zinc, iron, and calcium<br /><br />non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)<br /><br />psoriasis medications<br /><br />rheumatoid arthritis medications<br /><br />diuretics<br /><br />antifungals<br /><br />diabetes medications<br /><br />muscle relaxants<br /><br />steroids<br /><br />Parkinson’s disease medications<br /><br />cyclosporine<br /><br />lithium<br /><br />retinoids and vitamin A supplements<br /><br />cholesterol medications, including statins<br /><br />migraine medications<br /><br />gout medications<br /><br />tricyclic antidepressants<br /><br />People should always tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking to help avoid interactions. The pamphlet in the package should also list any drugs that might interact with that specific type of antibiotic.<br /><br />4. Photosensitivity<br /><br /> Share on PinterestPeople should use sun protection when taking antibiotics that can cause photosensitive skin.<br /><br />Many types of antibiotics make the skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive).<br /><br />While taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, people should:<br /><br />avoid prolonged periods of light exposure<br /><br />always use high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens when in the sun<br /><br />wear protective clothing when in the sun, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants<br /><br />Anyone who experiences extreme sensitivity to the sun while taking antibiotics should talk to a doctor.<br /><br />5. Teeth and bone staining<br /><br />Some estimates suggest that 3 to 6 percent of the people who take tetracycline develop stains on their teeth enamel. T<br /><br /><br />By dr.Rawaa M.Mohammed <br />